
Qass. 



/ ' / 



^ NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 
GEN. WASHINGTON'S ARMY 



A New Hampshire Lawyer in 
General Washington's Army 



A Biographical Sketch of the 
HON. JOHN SULLIVAN, LL.D., 

Major General in the Continental Army 

And an Account of the Expedition under his command 

against the Six Indian Nations in 1779 



By 
OSCAR E. RISING 



FIRST EDITION 



GENEVA, N. Y. 

PRESS OF W. F. HUMPHREY 

I915 



DEDICATION 

To THE MEMORY OF MY MoTHER, ArVILLA 

Catherine Rising, who believed when 
others doubted, and who is now num- 
bered with the all wise though speech- 
less dead, this book is lovingly dedi- 
cated, by her son. 



A FOREWORD 

T \ THILE preparing this sketch of General SuUi- 
V V van's Kfe, I have been dominated by the feel- 
ing that it behooves the people who live in the 
Susquehanna, Lehigh, Chemung, Mohawk and Genesee 
Valleys, to know more about their Revolutionary fore- 
fathers and the great work that those old fellows in buff 
and blue did for the advancement of civilization and 
the planting of the tree of liberty in our soil, the shade 
of which we of today enjoy. John Sullivan, standing amid 
his band of 4,000 devoted Continentals, forcing their 
way out into the wilderness against the savage tribes, 
is to me, the subhmest spectacle the history of our coun- 
try furnishes. 

"God bless John Sullivan's heroes of 1779. 
For their brave deeds of soldier daring, 
Which broke the chain of the Iroquois line, ^ ^^ 
And brought the peace we are this day sharing. 

General Sullivan was my maternal grandfather's great- 
uncle, and therefore I have the honor to be a great-great- 
grand nephew of the hearty old patriot General. For 
Col. Hubley's Journal, and General Sullivan's report, 
as well as the roster of officers, I am indebted to ''General 
John Sullivan's Indian Expedition in 1779," which was 
compiled by the late George S. Conover, of Geneva, N. Y., 
and published by the State of New York in 1887. 

I use this foreword as a medium to convey my thanks 
to the Reynolds Library of Rochester, N. Y., for allow- 
ing me the free use of reference works, of which, I regret 
to say, there are not many, for strange as it may seem to 
many of my readers, the story of General Sullivan's 



Expedition does not fill as large a page in our history, as 
do the accounts of Burgoyne's invasion, or the siege of 
Yorktown. 

To some it may seem out of place for one to write of 
one's own ancestors, but to quote from Goethe: "Happy 
he who wdth bright regard, looks back upon his father's 
fathers, who with joy recounts their deeds of grace, and 
in himself, values the latent link in the fair chain of 
noble sequences." 

I hand this little book over to the American people, 
(many of whom are descendants of "Yankee" SulU van's 
men), in the hope that it may find a few readers among 
the millions of knowledge seekers in our land. If it 
succeeds in doing so, I mil feel that my labor in preparing 
it has not been in vain, and will be entirely satisfied. 

Oscar E. Hising. 
Rochester, N. Y., April, 1914. 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

Major General John Sullivan (Frontispiece). 

The Home of General Sullivan at Durham, N. H. 

The Old SulUvan Monument on Newtown battlefield. 

The New Sullivan Monument on Newtown battlefield. 

The Sullivan Memorial at Canandaigua, N. Y. 

Boulder at Fort Sullivan (Athens, Pa.) 

Outline of Fort Sullivan. 

The Marker at Wysox, Pa. 

The Old Athens Academy. 

Standing Stone Rock in the Susquehanna River. 



A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 
GEN. WASHINGTON'S ARMY 

CHAPTER I 

Though generations have gone since then, 

And scenes of Ufe are often shifted, 
We see John SulHvan and his men, 

As mists of a hundred years and more are Hfted. 

ONE day in the year 1723, a young Irishman, accom- 
panied by a young woman, landed from a small 
sailing vessel at Berwick, Maine. The young 
man's name was Owen O'SuUivan, and he was a descendant 
of Donall O'Sullyvan, Lord of Bearehaven, in the time of 
*'good Queen Bess." The young woman was his sweet- 
heart. A few years after their arrival at Berwick, they 
were married, and took up their residence in Somers- 
worth. New Hampshire, just across the river from Ber- 
wick. 

Seventeen years after their arrival in the Colonies, 
(on the 17th of February, 1740), a son was born to them, 
whom they christened John. This son grew to manhood, 
and under his father's tuition received a good education, 
and took up the study of law, and having qualified himself 
for the practice of his chosen profession, he "hung out his 
shingle" in the little town of Durham, in southeastern 
New Hampshire, and soon became a prominent man in 
the community. Then the cloud of the revolution 
appeared on the horizon, and in September 1774, he was 
chosen as a delegate to the first Continental Congress, 
then assembling at Carpenter's Hall, in Philadelphia. 
Upon his return from Congress, he and a friend by the 
name of John Langdon, led a raid on Fort William and 



12 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

Mary at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, from which they 
carried off all the cannon, and ammunition which consisted 
of 97 kegs of powder, which they hid under the pulpit 
of Durham Church. On the 19th of the following April, 
(1775), the great drama of the revolution opened at 
Lexington, and on the 17th of June, 1775, the Battle of 
Bunker Hill was fought, where several cart loads of this 
powder was used, and while Charles town was wrapped 
in flames, and the loud hurrahs were resounding over the 
American lines. Congress was voting the appointment 
of George Washington as Commander-in-Chief of the 
Continental Army; at the same time they appointed eight 
Brigadier Generals, John Sullivan being one of them. 
Soon after his appointment he proceeded to headquarters 
at Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 1776 he was put in 
command of the troops in Canada, but on his arrival 
at the Sorel River, he found the army just leaving the 
province. He at once directed General Thompson to 
attack the British at Three Rivers, but the attack was 
poorly planned and poorly carried out. He was com- 
pelled to retreat, and fell back on Crown Point, where 
soon after General Gates arrived to supersede him. His 
fiery and independent nature rebelled at finding a junior 
officer promoted over him, and he hastened away to 
Congress to offer his resignation, but the President of 
Congress persuaded him to retain his command, telling 
him he was too valuable a man to be lost to the service. 
This appealed to Sullivan's natural vanity, so he with- 
drew his resignation, and joined the army of Washington. 
He commanded a few regiments in the battle of Long 
Island, and withstood the combined attacks, of DeHeister 
and Clinton, being compelled to face his troops both ways 
to meet this double enemy. He struggled desperately 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 13 

for three hours to save his troops, but was at last com- 
pelled to surrender, but was soon exchanged for the 
British General Prescott. Again joining the army, he 
was made a Major General, and was put at the head of 
one of the divisions. 

In the summer of 1777 Sullivan's division was stationed 
at Hanover, New Jersey, where he planned an unsuccessful 
attack on Staten Island. For this expedition he was 
much blamed, and a court of inquiry called to sit on his 
conduct, but he was honorably acquitted. 

He commanded the right wing of the army at the battle 
of Brandywine where he suffered a defeat, the loss of two 
of his aides, and had his own horse shot from under him. 
He escaped without injury to himself. 

The caution of Washington had prevented any decisive 
engagement during the early part of the year 1777, but 
the march of the British toward Philadelphia induced 
him to hazard a battle. His army met that of Howe near 
the Brandywine River, and after a long and fierce battle, 
Howe obtained a decisive victory over the Americans and 
entered Philadelphia. 

General Sullivan has been blamed, and unjustly so, 
for the loss of this battle, the brunt of which was borne 
by his division and that of "Mad Anthony" Wayne, who 
is best known as the hero of Stony Point. 

The British loss at Brandywine was estimated at six 
hundred men in killed and wounded, and the fact that the 
American loss was about one thousand, shows how firmly 
Sullivan had contested his ground. 

In the early morning of the 4th of October, 1777, 
the battle of Germantown was fought, where General 
Sullivan commanded one of the divisions, and throughout 
the entire "engagement" he conducted himself nobly 



14 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

and won new honors", and when his troops, becoming 
panic-stricken, fled, he tried bravely but in vain, b;* 
voice and example, to rally them. When the army wen^ 
into winter quarters at Valley Forge, Sullivan was there 
and was as ever, ready to bear his share of the hardships' 
While the American troops were laying at Valley Forg 
in a half starved, half naked, and wholly wretched condi 
tion, during the winter of 1777-1778, he became destitute, 
and asked permission of Washington to return to his 
New Hampshire home for the purpose of raising funds 
to meet his pressing personal needs, but the shrewd, far- 
seeing Washington, seeing the detrimental effect this would 
have on his tattered soldiery, prevailed on Sullivan to 
remain until spring, and so great was his love for Wash- 
ington that he withdrew his temporary resignation and 
remained. If Gen. Sullivan had not been of too kind 
and generous a heart to ask for the interest on money 
that he had loaned, he would not have found himself 
in so destitute a condition at Valley Forge, but as he 
thought the people had burdens enough to bear without 
paying interest on the money that he had loaned, and as 
he never allowed himself to be guided by — 

The good old rule, 

The simple plan, 

That they should take who have the power, 

And they should keep who can, — 

he acted like the noble man he was and bore the burden 
of want without a murmur. 

In the month of March, 1778, he was given the com- 
mand of the army in Rhode Island, where he was retained 
until the early spring of 1779, when he was offered and 
accepted the command-in-chief of that picturesque and 
decisive expedition against the Six Indian Nations,where 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 15 

^he rendered his name immortal, and of which I will now 

^3peak. 

, But before we accompany John Sullivan and his men 
pn their great march into and through the country of the 

"Six Nations, let us take a brief glance at that picturesque 

^md now almost extinct people, who were, for many 
centuries ''the brave ordainers of imperial law for western 
wilds." The once proud and all-conquering Iroquois. 

A GLANCE AT THE IROQUOIS 

The Six Nations were originally the Five Nations, 
and were composed of the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, 
Cayugas and Senecas. But in the year 1712, the Tuscaro- 
ras came north from South Carolina, and begged the privi- 
lege of "spreading their blankets" among the Five Nations. 
This was granted them, and they were given land between 
the Onondagas and Cayugas, but were never allowed to 
send a sachem to the council fires of their imperious 
protectors. The English called the league the "Six 
Nations." The French called them the "Iroquois" and 
the Dutch, "mingoes." Their own name for their league 
was "Ho-do-no-sau-nee." "The People of the Long 
House." They were almost constantly at war with the 
Hurons upon the North, and the Delawares upon the 
South, and their conquests extended north into Canada, 
and as far westward as the Mississippi River. At the 
zenith of their power they numbered about 25,000 people, 
and held dominion over all the land of what is now in 
New York State, with the exception of a strip west of the 
Genesee River. 

The Mohawks were the door-keepers upon the east, 
while the Senecas guarded the western door of the "long 
house." 



16 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

At the time of Sullivan's Expedition they had reached 
a high state of civilization, and lived in well built, and 
painted log houses. Their villages were surrounded by 
large fields of corn, squashes, water-melons, beans, cucum- 
bers, etc., besides large orchards of apple and peach trees. 
Some of the orchards contained as many as twelve hundred 
trees, and were of great age, having been planted by the 
Jesuit Fathers, a century before. At the time of which 
we write, Joseph Brant, was the great war-chief of the 
Six Nations, and he led his dusky followers on many a 
murderous raid, but it is not known for certain that he was 
in command of the Indians at Cherry Valley. He was a 
highly civilized Indian and well educated. In his old age 
he translated the Bible into the Mohawk tongue. He 
died at a good old age, on his estate in Canada. He was 
a brother-in-law of *Sir William Johnson, his sister 
(Molly), being Sir William's squaw-wife. The principal 
though not the largest village of the Senecas, was Kanada- 
saga, which stood on the site of the present city of Geneva, 
N. Y. It contained about 50 well built houses, and was 
surrounded by large orchards of apple and peach trees. 
The burial mound of the Senecas, at this place, can still 
be seen. 

When the army reached here, about sundown of Sept. 
7th, they found the town deserted by the Indians, (they 
having fled to Kanandaigua, sixteen miles farther west) 
and not a living thing in sight, except a male white child, 
about three years old. General Sullivan took a personal 
interest in the little waif and had it placed in a large 
basket on a pack-horse load. It shared all the vicissitudes 
of the campaign, and was afterwards taken to New 



*NoTE. Sir William Johnson, the founder of Johnstown, N. Y., and his Ma- 
jesty's Commissioner of Indian Affairs for North America. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 17 

Windsor, New York, where it soon died of the smallpox, 
no clue to its identity was ever discovered, but it was 
doubtless the offspring of some unhappy captive. Sulli- 
van's raid broke forever the power of the Iroquois, who, 
as allies of the British, constantly harassed the patriots 
of Central New York. The redskins were the most 
dreaded enemy the colonists had to reckon with in the 
war for our independence, for they had respect for neither 
the helplessness of women and children, nor the infirmities 
of age. Often as he hurried to war did the patriot shud- 
der at the thought of what might happen to his loved ones 
in his absence. Only too frequently were his worst fears 
realized as he returned to find his home in ashes, and his 
wife and children killed, or carried into captivity. In 
the month of July, 1778, the beautiful valley of Wyoming 
was laid waste, and on Sunday morning, the 11th of 
November, 1778, the horrible massacre of Cherry Valley 
was perpetrated, when the Indians under the leadership 
of the famous Mohawk chief, Joseph Brant {?) (Thayend- 
anegea was his Indian name) and the Tories, under the 
command of that fiend in human form. Colonel Walter 
Butler, descended upon this thrifty settlement (which 
was founded in 1740) and murdered the men, women and 
children, regardless of age or sex. 

It was then that Washington with martial ardor, 

Called Sullivan in haste to go, 

And cross the Indian's forest border, 

And lay his field and orchards low. 

For the Iroquois had lighted, 
A thousand fires of hate and scorn. 
From Cherry Valley's homes affrighted. 
To fair Wyoming's vale forlorn." 

It was Washington's intention to offer the command 
of this Expedition to Major General Horatio Gates, as 



18 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

will be seen by a perusal of the following letter from 
Washington to the President of Congress : 

(letter of general WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT 
OF CONGRESS, APRIL 14tH, 1779) 

"The plan of operations for the campaign being deter- 
mined, a commanding officer was to be appointed for 
the Indian Expedition. This command, according to 
all present appearances, will probably be of the second, 
if not of the first, importance for the campaign. The 
officer conducting it has a flattering prospect of acquiring 
more credit than can be expected by any other this year; 
and he has the best reason to hope for success. 

Gen. Lee, from his situation, was out of the question; 
Gen. Schuyler was so uncertain of continuing in the army, 
that I could not appoint him; Gen. Putnam I need not 
mention. I therefore make the offer of it, for the appoint- 
ment could no longer be delayed, to Gen. Gates, who was 
next in seniority, though, perhaps, I might have avoided 
it, if I had been so disposed, from his being in a command 
by the special appointment of Congress. My letter to 
him on the occasion, I believe you will think was con- 
ceived in very candid and polite terms, and that it merited 
a different answer from the one given to it. 

G. Washington." 

— But General Gates refused the command of the 
expedition for the reasons stated in the following reply 
to Washington's letter, offering him the appointment. 

Lieut. General Washington: 
Dear Sir: 

"Last night I had the honor of your Excellency's let- 
ter. The man who undertakes the Indian service. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 19 

should enjoy youth and strength; requisites I do not possess. 
It therefore grieves me that your Excellency should 
offer me the only command to which I am entirely unequal. 
In obedience to your command, I have forwarded your 
letter to Gen. Sullivan, etc. 

Horatio Gates, M. G. 



The letter from Washington to Sullivan which Gen. 
Gates referred to in the above letter, ran as follows : 

"Headquarters, Middle Brook, 
March 6th, 1779. 
Major General Sullivan: 
Dear Sir: 

Congress having determined upon an Expedition against 
the hostile tribes of the Indians of the Six Nations, the 
command is offered to Maj. Gen. Gates as Senior officer, 
but should he decline, it is my wish it should devolve 
upon you. That no time may be lost by General Gates' 
nonacceptance, I have put this letter under cover to him, 
and have desired him to forward it to you, should that be 
his determination. Should it therefore be sent to you 
I must request you to set out, as speedily as possible 
after the rec't of it, to Head Quarters, as the season is 
already far advanced. Upon your arrival, the whole 
plan of the Expedition shall be communicated to you, 
and measures concerted for carrying it into execution. 
Nothing will contribute more to our success in the quarter 
where we really intend to strike, than alarming the enemy 
in a contrary one, and drawing their attention that way. 
To do this, you may drop hints of an Expedition to Canada 
by the way of Coos. This will be more readily believed, 
as a thing of that kind was really once in agitation, and 



20 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

some Magazines formed in consequence, which the enemy- 
are acquainted with. You may also speak of the probabil- 
ity of a French Fleet making its appearance, in the Spring, 
in the river St. Lawrence to co-operate with us. It will 
be a great point gained if we can, by false alarms, keep 
the force already in Canada from affording any timely 
assistance to the Savages, refugees and those people 
against whom the blow is leveled. I would wish you to 
keep the motive of your journey to Head Quarters a 
secret, because if it is known that an officer of your rank 
is to take a command to the westward, it will be im- 
mediately concluded that the object must be considerable. 
I am, with great regard. Dear Sir, 

Your most Obedient Servant, 

George Washington." 
"Major General Sullivan." 

The command of the expedition having been refused 
by General Gates was promptly accepted by General 
Sullivan, but the plans for carrying it on was not agree- 
able to his mind, nor was the number of men destined 
for it sufficient, in his opinion, to insure its success. He 
had, early in April, 1779, received from the heads of the 
quartermaster, and commissary departments, assurances 
that everything would be in a perfect state of readiness 
upon his arrival at Easton, Pa., where the main army was 
mobilized, but on his arrival there he was informed by 
Brigadier General Edward Hand (who then commanded 
at that post), that there was not the least prospect of the 
boats or stores being in readiness in season. Bancroft, in 
his history of the United States, says that if Sullivan had 
not spent his time "writing strange theological essays" 
the expedition would have gotten under way sooner. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 21 

Now such a statement is absurd. While he was a man of 
a high order of intellect, and could, doubtless, have writ- 
ten theological essays, had he been so inclined, it is 
ridiculous to think that a man of his sound common 
sense, would have wasted his time in doing so, and more- 
over at a time when his entire attention was occupied 
with military affairs. Bancroft also says that * 'Sullivan 
was so puffed up with the honors of command that it 
was almost out of the question to deal with him." While 
it is true that he had a slight streak of vanity and conceit 
in his nature, he was not a man to be puffed up with the 
honors of command for it was not the first time that he had 
had such honors. There were no theological writings 
found among General Sullivan's papers, after his death, 
and I do not believe that he ever wrote any. It was the 
fault of Congress alone that the army did not get started 
sooner than it did. Lieut. Colonel Adam Hubley, in his 
journal, says : ''Whilst I revere the merit and virtue of the 
army I am sorry I am under the necessity of mentioning 
that there was an unparalleled and unpardonable neglect 
(and which ought not to pass with impunity), in those 
whose business it was to supply them (the army) with a 
sufficient quantity of necessaries to carry them through 
the expedition, instead of which not more than 22 days 
flour, and 16 days meat was on hand when it commenced." 
The Executive Counsel of Pennsylvania agreed to 
furnish 700 rangers and riflemen, and the President of 
Pennsylvania (Reed), promised that they would be ready 
in season, but not a man of them joined the army. The 
reason for this was, that the quarter-master offered such 
good wages to boatmen that they all enlisted into the 
boat service, but this was a mistake, for they had scarcely 
a hundred boatmen engaged for the army, and only 42 



22 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

pack-horsemen, so that Sullivan was obliged to draft 
900 for boatmen and pack-horsemen. 

This reduced the army to 1,412 men, and from these 
he had to deduct 150 for cattle drivers and for the artillery, 
which left him only 1,262 men, and more than a third of 
them were without a shirt to their backs. With this 
force he was expected to advance against an enemy which 
was allowed to be 2,000 strong, and who had been lately 
reenforced with 700 British troops from Canada. In a 
letter to Congress sent from Wyoming late in July, 1779, 
General Sullivan said: '*I need not mention that it is 
easy for the enemy to act with their whole force against 
either part of our army before the junction with Clinton 
is formed, and that common prudence will prompt to 
this. I have, therefore, nothing to rely on but the ardor 
and well known bravery of my troops, which I trust 
will surmount all opposition, but should a defeat take 
place, and the ruin of the army be the consequence, 
whether I do or not perish in the action, I call upon the 
members of Congress to witness to the world that I early 
foresaw and foretold the danger, and used every means 
in my power to secure a force suflScient to insure success, 
but failed to obtain it." 

Following is a complete roster of oflBcers of Sullivan's 
division, divided into brigades and regiments. The 4th 
brigade 1,600 strong, under the command of Brigadier 
General James Clinton, started in the Mohawk Valley 
to join Sullivan at Tioga Point (now Athens, Pa.). His 
march was through an unbroken wilderness. As there 
were no roads, their provisions were loaded in boats and 
floated up the small streams, and there the freight, boats 
and all, were carried by the men to the headwaters of 
another stream. They had little trouble until they reached 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 23 

Otsego Lake, and from this point they expected less as the 
outlet of the lake formed the Susquehanna River. But 
the weather was hot and for many weeks there had been 
no rain. The river had not water enough to float the 
boats and for a time Clinton thought he would be obUged 
to turn back, but just as he was about to give up in despair, 
he hit upon a scheme which promised success. He caused 
a dam to be built across the Susquehanna, just where it 
flows out of Lake Otsego. His soldiers rolled in great 
boulders from the fields and filled the spaces between with 
brush and clay so the water could not flow out freely. 
This caused the lake to rise, and in three wrecks it was six 
feet above its summer level. The boats were then made 
ready with the provisions and men aboard, and the dam 
was torn down. The waters flooded the banks of the nar- 
row stream and the w^hole brigade was carried down to 
the place of meeting with Sullivan in safety. 

The Indians along the stream saw this sudden rise of 
the waters and they were much frightened, no rain had 
fallen in weeks, and the only way they could account for 
it was that the Great Spirit had sent the waters to help 
the pale faces, and they fled in the greatest alarm. 

General Clinton did not meet one armed enemy, and 
after the junction of his brigade with the rest of Sullivan's 
division, the combined army numbered about 4,000 men, 
and 

It was soon to be tested 

Whether the proud Indian league, 

Would at its savage pleasure 

Loose or bind, the lightnings of 

Its burnished tomahawk. 



CHAPTER II 

Roster of Officers of Sullivan's Division, 1779 
General Commanding, and Staff 
Major-General John Sullivan, Commander-in-Chief 
William Pierce, 



Aides. 



Captain Jonathan Dayton, 

Major Adam Hoop, 

Nicholas Van Cortlandt, 

Col. C. Sheriff, Dep. Adjt. General. 

Lieut. Col. Francis Barber, Adjutant General. 

Col. Robert Hooper, Dep. Con. of Transportation. 

Col. Brj^an Bruen, Private Secty. to Gen. Sullivan. 

Col. John Steele, Commissary General. 

Rev. Samuel Kirkland, Chaplain. 

Capt. Daniel Taphan, Con. of Militia Stores. 

Lieut. Benjamin Lodge, Surveyor. 

John Woodman, Asst. Commissary General. 

Col. Henry Antie, Conductor of Boats. 

James Cook, Express rider. 

Dr. Hagan, Surgeon-in-Chief. 

Mr. Brenion, Issuing Con. to Commander-in-chief. 

Capt. John Franklin, 1 

Jehaikim, (Indian) j' Guides. 

Lieut. John Genkins, J 

Lieut. Robert Pemberton, Judge Advocate. 

First Brigade 
New Jersey Troops 
William Maxwell, Brigadier General. 
Andrew Hunter, Chaplain. 

24. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 25 

Aaron Ogden, Aide-de-Camp, and Captain. 

John Ross, Brigadier Major. 

Nathan Wilkinson, Quartermaster. 

Matthias Ogden, Colonel 1st N. J. Regiment. 

Israel Sherene, Colonel 2d N. J. Regiment. 

Oliver Spencer, Spencer's Regiment. 

Detachment of Cavalry, from E. Sheldon's Regiment. 

Elias Dayton, Colonel 3d N. J. Regiment. 

First New Jersey Regiment 
Matthias Ogden, Colonel, 
David Brearley, Lieut. Colonel, 
Daniel Piatt, Major, 
Jacob Piatt, Capt. Lieut, and Adjutant, 
Ephriam Whitlock, Adjutant, ? Staff. 

Peter Trott, 2d Lieut, and Quartermaster, 
Cyrus Ewing, Surgeon, 
Cyrus D'Hart, 1st Lieut, and Paymaster, 
Stephen Ball, Surgeon's Mate, 
Jonathan Farnan, Captain. 
Giles Mead, Captain. 
Alexander Mitchell, Captain. 
Peter Van Voorhies, Captain and Paymaster. 
John Holmes, Captain. 
Aaron Ogden, Captain. 
William Piatt, Lieutenant. 
John Hamell, Lieutenant. 
William Barton, Lieutenant. 
Absalom Martin, Lieutenant. 
Ephriam Whitlock, Lieutenant. 
Eben Burrows, Lieutenant. 
Johnathan Snowden, Lieutenant. 
Absalom Bonham, 2d Lieutenant. 



Staff. 



26- A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

Samuel Seeley, Lieutenant. 
Silas Parrat, Lieutenant. 
John Bishop, Ensign. 
Aaron Rhea, Ensign. 
John Geary, Ensign. 
Asher Levy, Ensign. 

Second New Jersey Regiment 
Israel Shreve, Colonel, 
WilHam D'Hart, Lieutenant Colonel, 
John Ross, Major, 

Luther Halsey, Adjutant and First Lieutenant 
Derrick Lane, Quartermaster and 2d Lieut. 
John Peek, Paymaster and Lieutenant, 
Ebenezer Elmer, Surgeon, 
Moses G. Elmer, Surgeon's Mate, 
John N. Cummings, Captain. 
Samuel Reading, Captain. 
Johnathan Phillips, Captain. 
Samuel Henry, Captain. 
Nathaniel Bowman, Captain. 
William Helms, Captain. 
Abraham Appleton, 1st Lieutenant. 
Samuel Conn, 1st Lieutenant. 
Samuel Naglee, 1st Lieutenant. 
Abel Weyman, 1st Lieutenant. 
Demick Lane, 1st Lieutenant. 
Samuel M. Sheete, 2d Lieutenant. 
Jona Rhea, 2d Lieutenant. 

John Shreve (son of Col. J. Shreve), 2d Lieutenant. 
Benajah Osmun, 2d Lieutenant. 
Joseph Buck, Ensign. 
George Walker, Ensign. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY %1 

Third New Jersey Regiment 
Elias Dayton, Colonel. 
John Conway, Lieut. Colonel. 
John Hollinshead, Major. 
Joseph I. Anderson, Paymaster and Captain. 
Samuel Shippard, Adj. and First Lieutenant. 
Ephraim Darboy, Quartermaster and 1st Lieutenant. 
Lewis F. Dunham, Surgeon. 
Robert Henry, Surgeon. 
Ephraim Tarring, Surgeon's Mate. 
Wm. Giffard, Captain. 
Richard Cox, Captain. 
Jeremiah Ballard, Captain. 
Joseph I. Anderson, Captain. 
Seth Johnson, Captain. 
Nathaniel Teanard, 1st Lieutenant. 
John Reed, 1st Lieutenant. 
Nathan Wilkinson, 1st Lieutenant. 
Edward D. Thomas, 1st Lieutenant. 
John Rencastle, 1st Lieutenant. 
Benjamin Horn, 1st Lieutenant. 
John Blair, 1st Lieutenant. 
William Kersey, 2d Lieutenant. 
Jarvis Bloomfield, 2d Lieutenant. 
Wessel F Stout, 2d Lieutenant. 
Jas. Rodgers, Ensign. 
Jas. DeCamp, Ensign. 

Spencer^s New Jersey Regiment 
Oliver Spencer, Colonel. 
William S. Smith, Lieutenant Colonel. 
Peter Taulman, Adjutant and Lieutenant. 
John Sanford, Paymaster. 



6 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

William Beach, Quartermaster. 

Jabez Campfield, Surgeon. 

John Darcy, Surgeon's Mate. 

John McEmen, Ensign and Quartermaster. 

John Burrows, Captain. 

Michael Ericksoriy Sargent in Capt. Burrowes Co. 

James Broaderick, Captain. 

Benjamin Weatherby, Captain. 

John Sanford, Captain. 

Nathaniel Town, Captain. 

Abraham Neely, Captain. 

James Bonnel, Captain. 

John Combs, Captain. 

William Beach, Captain Lieutenant. 

William Bull, Lieutenant. 

Ugal Meeker, Lieutenant. 

Finch Gildersleeve, Lieutenant. 

David Kirkpatrick, Lieutenant. 

Anthony Maxwell, Lieutenant. 

John Stagg, Lieutenant. 

John Orr, Lieutenant. 

Robert Pemberton, Lieutenant. 

Peter Farnham, Lieutenant. 

John Reed, Ensign. 

Second Brigade 
New Hampshire Troops 
Enoch Poor, Brigadier General. 
Jeremiah Fogg, Aide-de-Camp. 
Elihu Marshall, Brigade Major. 
Rev. Israel Evans, Brigade Chaplain. 
Col. Joseph Silley, 1st New Hampshire Regiment. 
Lieut. Col. George Reed, 2d New Hampshire Regiment. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 29 

Lieut. Col. Henry Dearborn, 3d New Hampshire Reg. 
Major Daniel Whiting, 6th Massachusetts Regiment. 
*Col. Philhp Van Cortlandt, 2d New York Regiment. 

First New Hampshire Regiment 
Joseph Silley, Colonel. 
Jeremiah Oilman, Lieutenant Colonel. 
William Scott, Major. 

Jeremiah Pritchard, Lieutenant and Adjutant. 
Benjamin Kimball, Captain and Paymaster. 
Johnathan Willard, Lieutenant and Quartermaster. 
Thomas Blake, 2d Lieutenant and Paymaster. 
Joseph Mills, Lieutenant and Adjutant. 
John Hale, Surgeon. 
Amos Morrill, Captain. 
Jason Wait, Captain. 
Amos Emerson, Captain. 
Ebenezer Frye, Captain. 
Isaac Farwell, Captain. 
Nathaniel Hutchings, Captain. 
Simon Sartwell, Captain and Lieutenant. 
Moody Dustin, 1st Lieutenant. 
Nathaniel McCauley, 1st Lieutenant. 
Josiah Monroe, 1st Lieutenant. 
Daniel Clapp, Lieutenant. 
William Hutchins, Lieutenant. 
Asa Senter, Lieutenant, 
Bazabeel Howe, 2d Lieutenant. 
Simeon Morrill, 2d Lieutenant. 



♦Transferred to 4th Brigade Aug., 1779. 

Note — It was this brigade that bore the brunt of the decisive 
battle of Newtown, fought on Sunday, August 29th, 1779. All of 
the killed, and most of the wounded, were New Hampshire men. 



30 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

Johnathan Perkins, Ensign. 
Joshua Thompson, 2d Lieutenant. 
Hubbard Carter, Ensign. 
Samuel Thompson, Ensign. 

Second New Hampshire Regiment 

George Reed, Lieutenant Colonel. 

Benjamin Titcomb, Major. 

Richard Braum, Quartermaster. 

William M. Bell, Adjutant. 

Jeremiah Fogg, Paymaster and Captain. 

Robert Q. Henry, Surgeon. 

Rev. Ira Evans, Chaplain. 

Caleb Robinson, Captain. 

Janez Carr, Captain. 

Elijah Clayes, Captain. 

William Rowell, Captain. 

Moses Dustin, Captain. 

Enoch Chase, Captain. 

George Aldrich, Captain. 
Samuel Cherry, Captain Lieutenant. 
Michael Hait, 1st Lieutenant. 
Ebenezer Light, 1st Lieutenant. 
Noah Robinson, 1st Lieutenant. 
Joseph Potter, 1st Lieutenant. 
Pelatiah Whittemar, 1st Lieutenant. 
James Nichols, 1st Lieutenant. 
George P. Frost, 1st Lieutenant. 
Luke Woodbury, 2d Lieutenant. 
Samuel Adams, 2d Lieutenant. 
William Taggert, 2d Lieutenant. 
Thomas Tyford, 2d Lieutenant. 
James Butterfield, 2d Lieutenant. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 31 

Joshua Merrom, Ensign. 
Daniel Gookim, Ensign. 
Caleb Blodgett, Ensign. 
Geo. Burnham, Ensign. 
Wm. Twombley, Ensign. 
Thomas Callis, Ensign. 

Third New Hampshire Regiment. 
Henry Dearborn, Lieutenant Colonel. 
James Norris, Major. 
Nicholas Gilman, Captain and Adjutant. 
Joseph Boynton, Lieutenant and Adjutant. 
Joseph Blanchard, 2d Lieutenant and Paymaster. 
John Hovey, Ensign and Quartermaster. 
Jacob Hall, Surgeon. 
Mark Howe, Surgeon. 
Israel Evans, Brigade Chaplain. 
Daniel Livermore, Captain. 
Isaac Frye, Captain. 
Wm. Ellis, Captain. 
David McGregor, Captain. 
Wm. A. Hawkins, Captain. 
Thomas Simpson, Captain. 
John Dennitt, Lieutenant. 
Benjamin Ellis, Lieutenant. 
Abner, Peminan, Lieutenant. 
Johnathan Cass, Lieutenant. 
Dudley T. Chase, Lieutenant. 
Nathaniel Hoit, Lieutenant. 
Nathaniel Teanitt, Lieutenant. 
Johna Cilley, Ensign. 
Archibald Stark, Ensign. 
Nathan Weare, Ensign. 



I A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

Neal McGaffey, Ensign. 
Moses Page, Ensign. 
Bradbury Richards, Ensign. 

Sixth Massachusetts Regiment 

(Alden's) 

Daniel Whiting, Major. 

WiUiam White, Lieutenant and Adjutant. 

James Lunt, Lieutenant and Adjutant. 

William McKundry, Lieutenant and Quartermaster. 

Ezekiel Braun, Surgeon. 

Francis DeBar, Surgeon's Mate. 

Joseph Tucker, Ensign and Paymaster. 

Asa Coburn, Captain. 

Luke Day, Captain. 

Benjamin Warren, Captain. 

John Reed, Captain. 

Daniel Lane, Captain. 

Jonas Parker, Captain Lieutenant. 

James Lunt, Captain Lieutenant. 

Samuel Buffington, Lieutenant. 

Robert Givens, Lieutenant. 

Elijah Day, Lieutenant. 

William Curtis, Lieutenant. 

Eliphalet Thorp, Lieutenant. 

Stephen Carter, Lieutenant. 

Ebenezer Peabody, Lieutenant. 

Luther Trobridge, Lieutenant. 

Richard Bay nail. Ensign. 

Levi Parker, Ensign. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 33 

Third Brigade 

Pennsylvania Troops 

Edward Hand, Brigadier General. 

Jonathan Snowden, Aide-de-Camp and Lieutenant. 

Capt. Wm. Sprout, Aide-de-Camp and Brigade Major. 

Rev. Wm. Rogers, D.D., Chaplain. 

John Van Anglin, Commissary. 

William Kinnerly, Surgeon. 

Lieut. Col. Wm. Butler, 4th Pennsylvania Regiment. 

Lieut. Col. Adam Hibley, 11th Pennsylvania Regiment. 

Major Dan'l Burghardt, Pennsylvania Gernons. 

Col. Thomas Proctor, Artillery Regiment. 

Major James Parr, Morgan's Riflemen. 

Capt. Anthony Selin, Schott's Rifle Corps. 

Capt. John Franklin, Wyoming Mihtia. 

Capt. Simon Spalding, Independent Wyoming Company. 

Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment 

Wm. Butler, Lieutenant Colonel. 

Thomas Church, Major. 

George Bass, Lieutenant and Adjutant. 

Erkuries Beatty, Lieutenant and Paymaster. 

Peter Sumers, Lieutenant and Quartermaster. 

Charles McCarter, Surgeon. 

George Tudor, Captain. 

William Gray, Captain. 

Henry Booker, Jr., Captain. 

Wm. Henderson, Captain. 

Wm. Cross, Captain. 

Garret Stediford, Lieutenant. 



34 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

Wilder Bevins, Lieutenant. 
ISIatthew Polon, Lieutenant. 
John Pratt, Lieutenant. 
Henry Henley, Lieutenant. 
Andrew Henderson, Ensign. 
Nathaniel Smith, Ensign. 

Eleventh Pctuisylvania Regiment 
Adam Hubley, Lieutenant Colonel. 
Evan Edwards, Major. 
George Bush, Captain and Paymaster. 
William Husten, Lieutenant and Adjutant. 
John JNIahan, Lieutenant and Quartermaster. 
Thomas Wiggins, Surgeon. 
Lawrence Keene, Captain. 
Andrew Walker, Captain. 
Abraham G. Claypole, Captain. 
Isaac Sweeney, Captain. 
Henry Carbury, Captain. 
Jeremiah Jackson, Captain Lieutenant. 
Edward Burke, 1st Lieutenant. 
Septimus Davis, 1st Lieutenant. 
Wm. McCurdy, 1st Lieutenant. 
Wni. Lennon, 1st Lieutenant. 
Jonas Pettigrew, 1st Lieutenant. 
-Benjamin Street, 1st Lieutenant. 
Samuel Morrison, 1st Lieutenant. 
Jacob Weitzcl, "^d Lieutenant. 
Robert Allison, Ensign. 
Samuel Reed, Ensign. 
Henr>' Burley, Ensign. 
Francis Thornbury, Ensign. 
William Huston, Ensign. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 35 

German Battalion 
Daniel Burchardt, Major. 
Peter Boyer, Captain and Paymaster. 
Jacob Royboldt, Ensign and Quartermaster. 
John Weidman, Lieutenant and Adjutant. 
Peter Peres, Surgeon. 
Jacob Bummer, Captain. 
Frederick Wm. Rice, Captain. 
Bernard Hubley, Captain. 
Philip Schramcher, Captain Lieutenant. 
Jacob Crenes, Lieutenant. 
Christian G. Swartz, Lieutenant. 
David Dieffenderfer, Ensign. 
Christian Cleekner, Ensign. 

Artillery Regiment 
Nine Pieces 
t Thomas Proctor, Colonel. 
Thomas Forrest, Lieutenant Colonel. 
William Adams, Surgeon. 
Isaac Craig, Captain. 
Joseph Rice, Captain. 
Francis Proctor, Captain. 
John Brice, Captain. 
Robert Caltman, Captain. 
Patrick Duffy, Captain Lieutenant. 
Warsley Eves, Captain Lieutenant. 



Note — There were 131 fifers and drummers in Sullivan's army, 
including what was known as "Colonel Proctor's Band of Music." 



) A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

Morgan^ s Riflemen 
One Battalion 
James Parr, Major. 
Michael Simpson, Captain. 

Thomas Boyd, Lieutenant. Massacred Sept. 13, 1779. 
Benjamin Chambers, Ensign. 

Independent Rifle Company 
Anthony Selin, Captain. 
Lawrence Myers, Lieutenant. 
Christian Fraelich, Lieutenant. 

Wyoming Militia 
John Franklin, Captain. 

Independent Wyoming Company 
Simon Spalding, Captain. 
John Jenkins, Lieutenant. 

Fourth Brigade 

New York Troops 
James Clinton, Brigadier General. 
Rev. John Gano, Chaplain. 
John Pratt, Assistant Commissary of Issues. 
William Popham, Aide-de-Camp. 

Capt. Leonard Bleecker, ) Brigade Majors and Inspec- 
Major Nicholas Fish, ) tors. 
Dr. Stephen McCrea, Brigade Surgeon. 
Col. Philip Van Cortlandt, 2d New York Regiment. 
Col. Peter Gansevoort, 3d New York Regiment. 
Lieut. Col. Frederick Weissenfele, 4th N. Y. Regiment. 
Col. Lemie Dufois, 5th New York Regiment. 
Volunteer Corps, under Col. John Harper as Captain. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 37 

Second New York Regiment 
Philip Van Cortlandt, Colonel. 
Peine Regnier, Lieutenant Colonel. 
Nicholas Fish, Major. 

Charles Nukerk, Adjutant and Captain Lieutenant, 
WilHam Mundy, Quartermaster and 1st Lieutenant. 
Tunis Van Wagener, Quartermaster and 2d Lieutenant. 
Robert Provoost, Paymaster and Ensign. 
Daniel Minena, Surgeon. 
Charles Graham, Captain. 
Samuel F. Pell, Captain. 
Jacob Wright, Captain. 
Jonathan Hallet, Captain. 
Abner French, Captain. 
James Fairlie, Lieutenant. 
Elihu Marshall, Lieutenant. 
Gilbert I. Livingston, Lieutenant. 
Charles F. Wussenfole, Lieutenant. 
fJohn L. Hardenbergh, Lieutenant. 
Tjerek Beekman, Lieutenant. 
Andrew White, Lieutenant. 
William L. Lenny, Lieutenant. 
Bernardus Swarthout, Ensign. 
John Braunn, Ensign. 

Third New York Regiment 
Peter Gansevoort, Colonel. 
Marinus Willett, Lieutenant Colonel. 
Robert Cochran, Major. 



Note — In the year 1790, Lieut. John L. Hardenbergh founded 
the settlement of Hardenbergh 's Comers, which afterwards became 
the village (now city) of Auburn, Cayuga County, N. Y. 



38 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

Christopher Hutton, Adjutant and Lieutenant. 

Prentive Boman, Quartermaster and Lieutenant. 

Jeremiah Van Rensselare, Paymaster and Ensign. 

Hemlock Woodruff, Surgeon. 

John Elliott, Surgeon's Mate. 

Leonard Bleecker, Captain. 

Henry Tiebout, Captain. 

Thomas DeWitt, Captain. 

Cornelius F. Jason, Captain. 

Aaron Aarson, Captain. 

George Syteg, Captain Lieutenant. 

Wm. Colbrath, Lieutenant. 

William Tapp, Lieutenant. 

Philip Conine, Lieutenant. 

Gerrit Staats, Lieutenant. 

Thomas McClellan, Lieutenant. 

Benjamin Bogardus, Captain. 

Levi Stockwell, Captain. 

Josiah Bay ley. Ensign. 

George T. Denniston, Ensign. 

Samuel Lewis, Ensign. 

Peter Magee, Ensign. 

John Spoor, Ensign. 

D. T. Fonday, Ensign. 

Benjamin Herring, Ensign. 

Gerrit G. Lansing, Ensign. 

Fourth New York Regiment 
Frederick Weissenfels, Lieutenant Colonel. 
Jos. McCracken, Major. 
Israel Smith, Paymaster and Captain. 
Peter Elsworth, Adjutant and Lieutenant. 
James Barritt, Quartermaster and Lieutenant. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 39 

John F. Vasche, Surgeon. 

Saml. Sackett, Captain. 

John Davis, Captain. 

Jonathan Titus, Captain. 

Benjamin Walker, Captain. 

Nathaniel Warton, Captain. 

Theodosius Famler, Captain. 

Edward Duscomb, Captain Lieutenant. 

Joseph Frelick, Lieutenant. 

Peter Van Bunschaten, Lieutenant. 

Abraham Hyatt, Lieutenant. 

Rudolphus Van Houenburg, Lieutenant. 

Thomas Hunt, Lieutenant. 

Silol Gray, Lieutenant. 

Daniel Deniston, Ensign. 

Azariah Tuthill, Ensign. 

Samuel Talmadge, Ensign. 

Ephraim Woodruff, Ensign. 

Fifth New York Regiment 

Lewis Dubois, Colonel. 

Henry Dubois, Adjutant and Captain Lieutenant. 

Henry Dodge, Adjutant and Lieutenant. 

Michael Connally, Paymaster and 2d Lieutenant. 

James Johnston, Quartermaster and Ensign. 

Samuel Coope, Surgeon. 

Eben Hutchison, Surgeon's Mate. 

James Rosekrans, Captain. 

John F. Hamtrach, Captain. 

John Johnson, Captain. 

Philip Dubois Bemis, Captain. 

James Stewart, Captain. 



40 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

Henry W. Vanderburgh, Lieutenant. 
Daniel Birdsall, 2d Lieutenant. 
James Betts, 2d Lieutenant. 
Barthol Vanderburgh, Ensign. 
Francis Hanner, Ensign. 

New York Artillery Detachment 
(Col. John Lamb's Regiment) 

Isiah Wool, Captain. 

Thomas Machin, Captain. 

Elisha Harvey, Lieutenant. 

End of Roster 

For a faithful and interesting account of the great 
march of "John Sullivan and his Men" into that primeval 
wilderness, 

"Where Onondaga and Mohawk brave, 

Oneida, Cayuga and Seneca founded 

That union of Tribes that terror gave, 

Where the Tuscarora war whoop sounded," 

let us turn to the Journal of Lieut. Colonel Adam Hubley. 
Colonel Hubley, as we have seen, by our perusal of 
the Roster, was the Commander of the 11th Pennsylvania 
Regiment, and he tells the story of the great march in a 
quaint and interesting style. 



CHAPTER III 

In Which Colonel Hubley Tells the Story 



Sullivan's General Orders 
"Headquarters, Easton. 

May 24, A.D., 1779. 

WHEN the army shall be fully assembled the fol- 
lowing arrangements are to take place: 
Light corps, commanded by Gen. Hand, to con- 
sist of: Armandt's, Hubley 's, Shott's, 6 Companies of 
Rangers, Wm. Butler's battalion, Morgan's corps, and 
all Volunteers who may join the army. 

Maxwell's Brigade consists of: Dayton, Shreeve, 
Ogden, Spencer, forming right of the first line. 

Poor's Brigade consists of: Cilley, Reed, Scammel, 
Courtland, and form left of first line. Livingston, Du- 
bois, Gainsworth, Olden, and form second line of reserve. 

The right of the first line to be covered by 100 men 
draughted from Maxwell's brigade, the left to be covered 
by 100 men detached from Poor's Brigade, each flank of 
the second line to be covered by 50 men detached from 
Clinton's brigade, the flanking division on the right to 
consist of Hubley's regiment, and a draught from the line 
of 100 men, the flanking division on left to consist of the 
German battalion, and 100 draughted men from the line. 

ORDER OF MARCH 

The light corps will advance by the right of companies 
in files, and keep at least one mile in front. Maxwell's 

41 



42 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

brigade will advance by its right in files, sections, or 
platoons, as the country will admit. Poor's brigade 
will advance by its left in the same manner. Clinton's 
brigade will advance by the right of regiment in platoons,, 
files, or sections, as the country will admit. All the cover- 
ing parties and flanking divisions on the right will advance 
by their left; those on the left of the army will advance 
by their right. The artillery and pack horses are to 
march in the centre. 

Should the army be attacked in front while on its march^ 
the light corps will immediately form to repulse the 
enemy, the flanking division will endeavor to gain the 
flanks and rear of the enemy. While the line is forming 
the pack horses will, in all cases, fall into the position 
represented on the annexed plan. Should the enemy 
attack on either flank, the flanking division attacked 
will form a front, and sustain the attack till reinforced — 
in which case a part of the light corps is to be immediately 
detached to gain the enemy's flank and rear, the covering 
parties of the 2d line to move to gain the other flank. 
Should the enemy attack our rear, the 2d line will face 
and form a front to the enemy, the covering parties of the 
first line will move to sustain it, while the flanking division 
face about and endeavor to gain their flank and rear. 
Should the light troops be driven back, they will pass 
through the intervals of the main army, and form in the 
rear. Should the enemy in an engagement with the 
army, when formed, endeavor either flank, the covering 
party will move up to lengthen the line, and so much as 
may be found necessary from the flanking division will 
display outwards to prevent the attempt from succeeding. 
The light corps will have their advance and flank guards 
at a good distance from their main body. The flanking 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 43 

division will furnish flank guards, and the 2d line a rear 
guard for the main army. 

When we find that the light corps are engaged in front, 
the front of the pack horses halt, and the rear close up, 
while the columns move in a proper distance, close and 
display, which will bring the horses in the position they 
are on the plan for the order of battle. Should the 
attack be made on either, in flank or in rear, the horses 
must be kept in the position they are at the commence- 
ment of the attack, unless other orders are then given. 

John Sullivan." 

This is Colonel Hubley's Journal, just as he wrote it 
from day to day. 

Wyoming, July 30th, 1779. — Wyoming is situated 
in the east side of the east branch of the Susquehanna, 
the town consisting of about seventy houses, chiefly log 
buildings; besides these buildings there are sundry larger 
ones which were erected by the army for the purpose 
of receiving stores, etc., a large bake and smoke house. 

There is likewise a small fort erected in the town, 
with a strong abatta around it, and a small redoubt to 
shelter the inhabitants in cases of an alarm. This fort is 
garrisoned by 100 men, draughted from the western army, 
and put under the command of Col. Zeb's Butler. I can- 
not omit taking notice of the poor inhabitants of the town : 
two-thirds of them are widows and orphans, who, by the 
vile hands of the savages, have not only deprived some 
of tender husbands, some of indulgent parents, and others 
of affectionate friends and acquaintances, besides robbed 
and plundered of all their furniture and clothing. In 
short, they are left totally dependent on the public, and 
are become absolute objects of charity. 



44 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

The situation of this place is elegant and delightful. 
It composes an extensive valley, bounded both on the 
east and west side of the river by large chains of mountains. 
The valley, a mere garden, of an excellent rich soil abound- 
ing with large timber of all kinds, and through the center 
the east branch of the Susquehanna. 

Wyoming, July 31st, 1779. — Agreeable to orders, 
marched the western army under the command of Major 
General Sullivan, from this place to Tioga. 

Took up the line of march about one o'clock p. m., 
viz., light corps advanced in front of main body about a 
mile; vanguard, consisting of twenty-four men, under 
command of a sub-altern, and Poor's brigade (main body), 
followed by packhorses and cattle, after which one 
complete regiment, taken alternately from Maxwell's 
and Poor's brigade (composed the rear guard). 

Observed the country to be much broken and mountain- 
ous; wood chiefly low, and composed of pine only. I was 
struck on this day's march with the ruins of many houses, 
chiefly built of logs, and uninhabited; though poor, yet 
happy in their situation, until that horrid engagement, 
when the British tyrant let loose upon them his emissaries, 
the savages of the wood, who not only destroyed and laid 
waste those cottages, but in cool blood massacred and cut 
off the inhabitants, not even sparing gray locks or helpless 
infancy. 

About 4 o'clock, p. m., arrived at a most beautiful plain, 
covered with an abundance of grass, soil excessively rich, 
through which runs a delightful stream of water, known 
by the name of Lackawanna; crossed the same, and 
encamped about one mile on the northern side of it, 
advanced about one-half mile in front of main body; 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 45 

after night fell in with rain — continued until morning. 
Distance of march this day, 10 miles. 

Sunday, August 1st. — Continued at Lackawanna 
waiting for the fleet, which, by reason of cohsiderable 
rapids, was detained until nearly 12 o'clock this day 
before the van could possibly cross there. In getting 
through, lost two boats, chief of their cargoes were saved. 
About 2 o'clock p. m., the whole arrived opposite our 
encampment, in consequence of which received orders 
for a march, struck tents accordingly, and moved about 
2 o'clock p. M. About one mile from the encampment, 
entered the narrows on the river, first detachment and left 
column under command of Capt. Burk, to join the right 
column of light corps, and across the mountain, which 
was almost inaccessible, in order to cover the army from 
falling in an ambuscade. Whilst passing through the 
defile found passage though exceeding difficult and 
troublesome, owing to the badness of the path; we passed 
by a most beautiful cataract called the Spring Falls. 
To attempt a description of it would be almost presump- 
tion. Let this short account thereof suffice. The first 
or upper fall thereof is nearly ninety feet perpendicular, 
pouring from a solid rock, uttering forth a most beautiful 
echo, and is received by a cleft of rocks considerably more 
projected than the former, from whence it rolls gradually 
and empties into the Susquehanna. Light corps passed 
and got through the defile about 6 o'clock p. m.; arrived 
about dusk at a place called Quilutimunk, and encamped 
one mile in front of the place, occupied that night by the 
main army. 

The main army, on account of the difficult passage, 
marched nearly all night before they reached their encamp- 



46 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

ing ground. Great quantities of baggage being dropped 
and left lying that night obliged us to continue on this 
ground. All the preceding day numbers of our pack 
horses were sent back and employed in bringing on the 
scattered stores, etc.; distance of march this day about 
7 miles; fine clear evening. Quilutimunk is a spot of 
ground situate on the river; fine, open and clear; quantity, 
about 1200 acres; soil very rich, timber fine, grass in 
abundance, and contains several exceedingly fine springs. 

Monday, August 2d. — In consequence of the diflScult 
and tedious march the preceding day, the army received 
orders to continue on the ground this day, in the mean- 
time to provide themselves with five days provision, 
and getting every other matter in perfect readiness for a 
march next morning at 6 o'clock. Nothing material 
happened during our stay on this ground. 

Tuesday 3d. — Agreeable to orders took up the line of 
march at 6 o'clock, a. m. Took the mountains after we 
assembled — found them exceedingly level for at least six 
miles. Land tolerable, the timber, viz., pine and white 
oak, chiefly large. About three miles from Quilutimunk 
we crossed near another cataract, which descended the 
mountain in three successive falls, the least of which is 
equal if not superior to the one already described. Al- 
though it is not quite so high, it is much wider, and like- 
wise empties into the Susquehanna, seemingly white as 
milk. They are commonly known by the name of Butter- 
milk Falls. 

About 12 o'clock we descended the mountains near the 
river; marched about one mile on flat piece of ground, 
and arrived at Tunkhannunk, a beautiful stream of water 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 47 

so called, which empties into the Susquehanna; crossed 
the same, and encamped on the river about 1 o'clock, 
p. M. Nothing material happened this day excepting 
a discovery of two Indians by the party on the west side 
of the river, Indians finding themselves rather near the 
party were obliged to leave their canoe, and make through 
the mountains. Party took possession of the canoe, 
and brought it to their encamping place, for that evening 
immediately opposite the main army. Distance of march 
this day, 12 miles. 

Wednesday 4th. — The army was in motion 5 o'clock, 
A. M., and moved up the river for three miles, chiefly on 
the beach, close under an almost inaccessible mountain. 
We then ascended the same with the greatest difficulty, 
and continued on it for nearly seven miles. A consider- 
able distance from the river the path along the mountain 
was exceedingly rough, and carried through several very 
considerable swamps, in which were large morasses. The 
land in general thin and broken, abounds in wild deer 
and other game. We then descended the mountains, 
and, at the foot of it crossed a small creek called 
Massasppi, immediately where it empties into the river. 
We then continued up the same until we made Van- 
derlip's farm, discovered several old Indian encamp- 
ments; one of them appeared to have been very large. 

The land, after crossing Massasppi, was exceedingly 
fine and rich, the soil very black and well timbered, 
chiefly with black walnut, which are remarkably large, 
some not less than six feet over, and excessively high. 
It is likewise well calculated for making fine and extensive 
meadows. The main army took post for this night on 
Vanderlip's farm, and the infantry advanced about one 



48 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

mile higher up, and encamped about 1 o'clock p. M., 
on a place known by the name of Williamson's farm. 
Distance marched this day, 14 miles; fine clear day, very 
hot. 

Thursday 5th. — In consequence of orders issued last 
evening to march this morning at 5 o'clock, we struck 
tents and loaded baggage. But the boats being consider- 
ably impeded by the rapidness of the water some miles 
below our encampment, could not reach us, and we were 
obliged to halt all night. Did not join us until 9 o'clock, 
A. M., all which time we were obliged to halt. On their 
arrival the whole army was put in motion, and as more 
danger on this day's march was apprehended than any 
before, the following distribution of the army took place, 
viz.: the right and left columns of the light corps, con- 
ducted by Gen. Hand, moved along the top of a very 
high mountain; main body of light corps, under Col. 
Hubley's command, with an advance of twenty -four men, 
moved on the beach several miles on the edge of the 
water. The main army, followed by the baggage, etc., 
flanked on their right by four hundred men, who had 
likewise to take this mountain. Thus we moved for 
several miles, then arrived in a small valley called Depue's 
farm; the land very good. Observed and reconnoitered 
this ground for some distance, it being the place in which 
Col. Hartley was attacked by the savages last year, on 
his return from Tioga to Wyoming. The country being 
fine and open, some loss was sustained on both sides; 
the savages at last gave way, and Col. Hartley pursued 
his route to Wyoming without further molestation. 
Continued our march for about one mile, and formed a 
junction with the parties on the right flank, ascended a 




STANDING STONE ROCK 

In the Susquehanna River, near Standing Stone, Pa. It is about six feet wide, 

twenty-five feet high, and is mentioned in Coh Hubley's JournaL 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 49 

high mountain, and marched for some miles on the same. 
Land poor, timber but small, chiefly pine, after which 
descended the mountain nearly one mile in length, and 
arrived in a fine large valley, known by the name of 
Wyalusing. The main army took post at this place, and 
the infantr>^ advanced about one mile in front of them, 
and encamped about 2 o'clock, p. m. Clear but very 
warm day; distance of march this day, 103^ miles. 

This valley was formerly called Oldman's farm, occu- 
pied by the Indians and white people ; together, they had 
about sixty houses, a considerable Moravian meeting 
house, and sundry other public buildings; but since the 
commencement of the present war the whole has been 
consumed and laid waste, partly by the savages and partly 
by our own people. The land is extraordinarily calculated 
chiefly for meadows. The grass at this time is almost 
beyond description, high and thick, and chiefly blue grass, 
and the soil of the land very rich. The valley contains 
about 1200 acres of land, bounded on one side by an 
almost inaccessible mountain, and on the other by the 
river Susquehanna. 

Friday, x\ug. 6th. — The boats not arriving before late 
this day, the army received orders to continue on the 
gromid. In the meantime to be provided with three 
days provisions, get their arms and accoutrements in 
perfect order, and be in readiness for a march early to- 
morrow morning. A sub. and twenty -four men from my 
regiment reconnoitered vicinity of camp; returned in the 
evening; made no discoveries. Rain all night. 

Saturday 7th. — The hea\^ rain last night and this 
morning rendered it utterly impossible to march this 
day; continued on the ground for further orders. 



50 .4 NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

A captain aiid thirty men from my regiment recon- 
noitered vicinity of camp; made no discoveries. 

This day received a letter (by express) from His Excel- 
lency Gen. Washmgton, dated Head Quarters, at New 
Wmdsor. 

Sunday 8th. — The army moved (in the same order as 
on 5th) this mornmg at 5 o'clock; crossed Wyalusing 
creek, and ascendeii an extensive mountain, the top 
remarkably level; land poor, and timber small. Arrived 
about 10 o'clock, a. m., at the north end, and descended 
the same close on the river side, and contmued along the 
beach for some distance, after which we entered an exten- 
sive valley or plain, knowii by the name of Standmg Stone; 
made a halt here for about half an hour for refreshments. 
This place derives its name from a large stone standing 
erect in the river inunediately opposite this plain. It is 
near twenty feet hi height, fourteen feet in width, and three 
feet m depth. This valley abounds in grass, the land 
exceedmgly fine, and produces chiefly white oak, black 
walnut, and pine timber. After refivshment, continued 
our march aloug the same valley; land not quite so fine. 
x\rrived about o o'clock, p. m., at a small creek called 
Wesaukuig; crossed the same, and encamped about one 
mile beyond it, and innneiiiately on the ri^er. 

Four o'clock, p. m. Smce our arrival at this place 
some of my officers discoveivil a small Indian encamp- 
ment, seemingly occupied but a few days since; found 
near the same a neat canoe, which they brought off. 
This mornuig the scout (of three men) sent up to Sheslie- 
qum some days smce, returned without making any 
discoveries. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 51 

General Sullivan, on account of his indisposition, came 
on in the boat. 

Monday, August 9th. — The boats not being able to 
reach Wesauking, the ground on which light corps en- 
camped preceding evening. The main body in conse- 
quence thereof took post and encamped at Standing 
Stone, about three miles below light corps encampment, 
for protection of the boats. 

The light corps, on account of their detached situation 
from main body the preceding evening, and apprehending 
some danger, being considerably advanced in the enemy's 
country, for their greater security, stood under arms 
from 3 o'clock, a. m., until daylight, when they dismissed, 
with orders to hold themselves in readiness at a moment's 
warning. Previous to their dismissal my light infantry 
was sent out to reconnoitre the vicinity of encampment; 
returned about 7 o'clock, a. m., made no discovery. 

This morning, 9 o'clock, boats hove in sight, in conse- 
quence thereof received orders to strike tents, and be in 
readiness for march; main army in the meantime arrived 
about 10 o'clock; The whole was in motion, marched 
through a difficult swamp; at north of same crossed a 
small stream, and ascended a hill; lands poor, and wood 
but indifferent. About VI o'clock, p. m., descended the 
same, and entered a small valley; continued about half 
a mile, when we ascended a very remarkable high 
mountain, generally known by the name of Break Neck 
Hill. 

This mountain derives its name from the great height, 
of the difficult and narrow passage, not more than one 
foot wide, and a remarkable precipice which is immediately 
perpendicular, and not less than 180 feet deep. One 
miss-step must inevitably carry you from top to bottom 



52 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

without the least hope of chance of recovery. At north 
end of same entered a mountainous and beautiful valley 
called Sheshecununk. General Sullivan, with a number 
of officers, made a halt here at a most beautiful run of 
water, took a bite of dinner, and proceeded on along the 
valley, which very particularly struck my attention. 
Any quantity of meadow may be made here; abounds with 
all kinds of wood, particularly white oak, hickory, and 
black walnut; the ground covered with grass and pea 
vines; the soil in general rich. About 4 o'clock, p. m., 
arrived on the bank of the river; the whole encamped in 
a line on the most beautiful plain; consists chiefly in 
meadows, the grass remarkable, thick and high. On our 
arrival here made discoveries of some new Indian tracks, 
places on which fire had just been, and fresh boughs cut, 
and prepared as if the place had just been occupied a few 
hours before our arrival. Distance of march this day, 
93^ miles. 

Tuesday, August 10th. Set in with rain, and boats 
not reaching this place before 9 o'clock this morning, 
army received orders to continue on the ground until 
further orders. Men drew and cooked two days provi- 
sions. 

One regiment from each of the brigades attended General 
Sullivan. The general and field officers of the army 
whilst they were reconnoitering the river and ground 
near Tioga branch, about three miles above this place, 
returned without any discoveries worthy of remark, about 
4 o'clock, p. M. 

Wednesday, August 11th. — ^Agreeable to orders the 
army moved this morning at 8 o'clock, a. m. in the usual 
order. Light corps moved half an hour before the main 



»■ 



«::.. 



" "**""""""■ " " "" "' AMt> ABATIS, ■I.'- -■ -aef 



^i^iii 






The boulder that marks the north point of Fort Sulhvan, at Tioga Point, 
(Athens, Pa.) placed by the Tioga Point Chapter, D. A. R., in 1902. 




OUTLINE OF FORT SULLIVAN AT TIOGA POINT 

(Now Athens, Pa.) 

I, 2, 3, and 4, Blockhouses 

M — Marker shown on reverse page. 

Drawn by I. C. King, 1914, from details furnished by the autht 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 53 

army, took post on the banks of the river near the fording 
place. On the arrival of the main army and boats, Col. 
Forest drew up his boat at the fording place, and fixed 
several six pounders on the opposite shore to scour the 
woods and thickets, and prevent any ambuscade from 
taking place. In the meantime the light corps marched by 
platoons, linked together, on account of the rapidity of 
the water, and forded the same, and effected a landing 
about 9 o'clock; they immediately advanced about one 
hundred yards from the river, and formed a line of battle, 
in or(Jer to cover the landing of the main army, which 
was safely effected about 10 o'clock, a. m., after which 
came on pack horses, cattle, etc., covered by a regiment 
which composed the rear guard. About half past ten 
o'clock the whole moved in following order. 

Previous to our arrival on the flats we had to pass about 
one and a half mile through a dark, difficult swamp, which 
was covered with weeds and considerable underwood, 
interspersed with large timber, chiefly buttonwood. We 
then entered the flats near the place on which Queen 
Esther's palace stood, and was destroyed by Col. Hartley's 
detachment last fall. The grass is remarkable thick and 
high. We continued along the same for about one mile, 
and arrived at the entrance of Tioga branch into Susque- 
hanna about 1 o'clock; we crossed the same, and landed 
on a peninsula of land which extends towards Chemung, 
and is bounded on the east by Susquehanna, and on the 
west by Tioga branch, and continued up the same for 
about two miles and a half and encamped. This penin- 
sula is composed of excellent meadow and upland; grass 
is plenty, and timber of all kinds, and soil in general good; 
distance of march this day, three miles. Since our arrival 
a scout of eight men was ordered up to reconnoitre Che- 



54 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

mung, and endeavor to make discoveries of the number of 
savages, and their situation, if possible. 

Thursday, August 12th. — Tioga Plain. This being 
a plain calculated to cover the western army during the 
expedition to the northern part of it, a garrison for that 
purpose is to remain until our return. Sundry works 
for the security of the same are now erecting about two 
and a half miles distant from where Tioga branch empties 
into the Susquehanna, and where the two rivers are about 
190 yards distant from each other; these works extend 
from river to river. 

Capt. Cummings with his scout (sent out last evening) 
returned this day at 11 o'clock, a. m., made several dis- 
coveries at Chemung; an Indian village twelve miles 
distance from this place; in consequence of which a 
council of war sat, and determined an expedition should 
immediately take place for the reduction of the same. 
The army (two regiments excepted) received orders to 
be in readiness for an immediate march. Eight o'clock, 
p. M., the whole were in motion, and proceeded for 
Chemung. 

August 13th, 1779. — Eight o'clock, p.m., the army 
having marched last evening in the followmg order, viz.. 
Light corps, under command of Gen. Hand, led the van, 
then followed Gens. Poor and Maxwell's brigades, which 
formed main body, and corps de reserve, the whole under 
the immediate command of Maj. Gen. Sullivan. The 
night being excessively dark, and the want of proper 
guides, impeded our march, besides which we had several 
considerable defiles to march through, that we could 
not possibly reach Chemung till after daylight. The 
morning being foggy favoured our enterprise. Our pilot, 
on our arrival, from some disagreeable motions he felt. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 55 

could not find the town. We discovered a few huts, 
which we surrounded, but found them vacated; after 
about one hour's march we came upon the main town. 
The following disposition for surprising the same was 
ordered to take place, viz : Two regiments, one from the 
light corps, and one from main body, were ordered to 
cross the river and prevent the enemy from making their 
escape that way, should they still hold the town. The 
remainder of the light corps, viz., two independent 
companies, and my regiment, under command of Hand, 
were to make the attack on the town. Gen. Poor was 
immediately to move up and support the light corps. 
We moved in this order accordingly, but the savages 
having probably discovered our scouting party the 
preceding day, defeated our enterprise by evacuating the 
village previous to our coming, carrying off with them 
nearly all their furniture and stock, and leaving an empty 
village only, which fell an easy conquest about 5 o'clock 
A. M. The situation of this village was beautiful; it 
contained fifty or sixty houses, built of logs and frames, 
and situate on the banks of Tioga branch, and on a most 
fertile, beautiful, and extensive plain, the lands chiefly 
calculated for meadows, and the soil rich. 

The army continued for some small space in the town. 
Gen. Hand, in the meantime, advanced my light infantry 
company, under Capt. Bush, about one mile beyond the 
village, on a path which leads to a small Indian habita- 
tion, called Newtown. On Capt. Bush's arrival, there he 
discovered fires burning, an Indian dog, which lay asleep, 
a number of deer skins, some blankets, etc.; he im- 
mediately gave information of his discoveries, in conse- 
quence of which the remainder part of the light corps, 
viz.: the two independent companies, and my regiment, 



56 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

under Gen. Hand's command, were ordered to move some 
miles up the path, and endeavor, if possible, to make 
some discoveries. We accordingly proceeded on in the 
following order, viz: Captain Walker, with twenty- 
four men, composed the van, the eleventh regiment, 
under my command, after which the two independent 
companies, the whole covered on the left by Tioga branch, 
and on the right by Capt. Bush's infantry company of 
forty men. In this order we moved somewhat better 
than a mile beyond this place. The first fires were 
discovered when our van was fired upon by a party of 
savages, who lay concealed on a high hill immediately 
upon our right, and which Capt. Bush had not yet made. 
We immediately formed a front with my regiment, 
pushed up the hill wdth a degree of intrepidity seldom to 
be met with, and under a very severe fire from the savages. 
Capt. Bush, in the meantime, endeavored to gain the 
enemy's rear. They, seeing the determined resolution 
of our troops, retreated; and, according to custom, 
previous to our dislodging them, carried off their wounded 
and dead, by which means they deprived us from coming 
to the knowledge of their wounded and dead. The 
ground on the opposite side of the mountain or ridge, 
on which the action commenced, being composed of 
swamp or low ground, covered with underwood, etc., 
favored their retreat, and prevented our pursuing them, 
by which means they got off. 

Our loss on this occasion, which totally (excepting two) 
fell on my regiment, was as follows, viz: two captains, 
one adjutant, one guide, and eight privates wounded, 
and one sergeant, one drummer, and four privates killed. 
Officers' names: Captain Walker (slight wound). Captain 
Carberry, and Adjt. Huston (I fear mortal). 




THE OLD ATHENS ACADEMY 
Which stands near the site of "Fort Sullivan" at Tioga Point, (Athens, Pa.). 
Built in 1798, nineteen years after the expedition. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 57 

After gaining the summit of the hill, and dislodging 
the enemy, we marched by the right of companies in eight 
columns, and continued along the same line until the 
arrival of General Sullivan. We then halted for some 
little time, and then returned to the village, which was 
instantly laid in ashes, and a party detached to cross the 
river to destroy the corn, beans, etc., of which there were 
several very extensive fields, and those articles in the 
greatest perfection. Whilst the troops were engaged in 
this business, Gens. Poor and Maxwell's brigades were 
fired upon, lost one man, killed, and several wounded. 
The whole business being completed, we returned to the 
ruins of the village, halted some time and received orders 
to return to Tioga plain, at which place we arrived at 
8 o'clock, considerably fatigued. Lest the savages 
should discover our loss, after leaving the place, I had the 
dead bodies of my regiment carried along, fixed on horses, 
and brought to this place for interment. The expedition 
from the first to the last continued twenty-four hours, 
of which time my regiment was employed, without the 
least intermission, tv/enty-three hours; the whole of our 
march not less than forty miles. 

Saturday, August 14th. — ^This morning 10 o'clock, 
A. M., had the bodies of those brave veterans, who so 
nobly distinguished themselves, and bravely fell in the 
action of yesterday, interred with military honors (firing 
excepted). Parson Rogers delivered a small discourse 
on the occasion. 

Was employed a greater part of the day in writing to 
my friends at Lancaster and Philadelphia, which were 
forwarded the same evening. 

Sunday 15th. — Agreeable to orders of yesterday, 
seven hundred men were ordered to march on the grand 



58 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IX 

parade for inspection, and to be furnished with ammuni- 
tion and eight days provision, for the purpose of marching 
up the Susquehanna and meeting General CUnton, who 
is now on his march to form a jimction with this army. 

Two o'clock, p. M., a firing was heard on the west side 
of Tioga branch, immediately opposite our encampment. 
A number of Indians under cover of a high mountain, 
advanced on a large meadow or flat of ground, on which 
our cattle and horses were grazing. Unfortunately, two 
men w?re there to fetch some horses, one of which was 
killed and scalped, the other slightly wounded, but got 
clear. One bullock was likewise killed, and several 
public horses taken off. My regiment was ordered in 
pursuit of them; we accordingly crossed the branch and 
ascended the mountain, marched along the summit of 
the same for upwards of two miles in order to gain their 
rear; but the enemy having too much start got clear. 
After scouring the mountains and valleys near the same, 
we returned, much fatigued, about 5 o'clock, p. m. 

Monday 16th. — The detachment under General Poor's 
command agreeable to orders, moved this day, 1 o'clock, 
p. M., up the Susquehanna for the purpose of forming a 
junction with Gen. CliDton. 

Several of our continentals alarmed the camp by firing 
off several guns about 1 o'clock m the morning, in conse- 
quence of which light corps stood under arms. Several 
patrols were sent out to reconnoitre the front of encamp- 
ment, returned near day-break, but made no discoveries — 
alarm proved premature. Gen. Hand, being ordered 
with the detachment under Gen. Poor, the command of 
light corps devolved on me during his absence. 

Tuesday, 17th. — Seven o'clock, p. m., a firing was 
heard about five hundred yards immediately in front of 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 59 

light corps' encampment. A party of fifty men was im- 
mediately detached to endeavor to find out the cause of 
it; returned at 8 o'clock, p. m.; reported that a party 
of Indians, eleven in number, had waylaid a few pack 
horsemen, who were just returning with their horses from 
pasture; that they had killed and scalped one man, and 
wounded another; the wounded man got safe to camp, 
and the corpse of the other was likewise brought in. 

An alarm was fired by a continental about 11 o'clock, 
p, M., but proved false. 

Wednesday, 18th. — In order to entrap some of those 
savages who keep sneaking about the encampment, the 
following parties ordered out for that purpose, and to 
be relieved daily by an equal number until we leave this 
ground, viz: one subaltern and twenty men on the 
mountain opposite the encampment; one subaltern and 
twenty men on the island, about a mile and a half above 
the encampment, on Tioga branch, and one subaltern 
and twenty men in the woods, about one and a half 
immediately in front of light corps' encampment, with 
orders to waylay and take every other means to take them. 

This day, by particular request of several gentlemen, 
a discourse was delivered in the Masonic form, by Dr. 
Rogers, on the death of Captain Davis of the 11th Penn., 
and Lieutenant Jones of the Delaware regiments, who 
were, on the 23d of April last, most cruelly and inhumanly 
massacred and scalped by the savages, emissaries em- 
ployed by the British king, as they were marching with 
a detachment for the relief of the garrison at Wyoming. 

Those gentlemen were both members of that honour- 
able and ancient Society of Freemen. A number of 
brethren attended on this occasion in proper form, and 
the whole was conducted with propriety and harmony. 



60 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

Text preached on this solemn occasion was the first 
clause in the 7th verse of the 7th chapter of Job, "Remem- 
ber my life is but N\and." 

Thursday, 19th. — Nothing remarkable this day. 

Friday, 20th. — This day arrived Lieut. Boyd, of 
Col. Butler's regiment, with accounts of Gen. Clinton's 
movements on the Susquehanna, and that a junction 
was formed by him with Gen. Poor's detachment, 
Chokoanut, about thirty -five miles from this place. 
Rain very heavy chief part of the day. 

Saturday, 21st. — The detachments under Gens. Clin- 
ton and Poor, on account of the very heavy rain yesterday, 
did not reach this encampment as was expected. 

Sunday, 22d. — This day, 10 o'clock, a. m.. Gens. 
Clinton and Poor's detachments, with about two hundred 
and twenty boats, passed light corps' encampment for 
the main army, about one and a half miles in their rear. 
On their passing, they were saluted with thirteen rounds 
from the park; the light corps being likewise drawn up, 
and received them in proper form, with Col. Proctor's 
music, and drums and fifes beating and playing. 

Monday, 23d. — This day a most shocking affair hap- 
pened, by an accident of a gun, which went off, the ball 
of which entered a tent in which was Capt. Kimball, of 
Gen. Poor's brigade, and a lieutenant; the captain was 
unfortunately killed, and the lieutenant wounded. 

Gen. Clinton, having formed a junction with the army 
at this place yesterday, the following alterations in the 
several brigades were ordered to take place, viz: Col. 
Courtland's regiment to be annexed to General Clinton's, 
Colonel Older to General Poor's, and Colonel Butler's 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 61 

regiment, with Major Parr's corps, to General Hand's 
brigade. 

Tuesday, 24th. — This day employed hands to make 
bags for the purpose of carrying flour; hands employed 
all day and night in this business. 

Agreeable to orders a signal gun was fired for the whole 
army to strike tents, 5 o'clock, p. m., and marched some 
distance in order to form the line of march. Seven 
o'clock, p. M., another signal was fired for the army to 
encamp in proper order, and to be in readiness for an 
immediate march. Col. Butler's regiment, with Major 
Parr's riflemen, joined light corps, and encamped with 
them this day, 7 o'clock, p. m. 

Colonel Shrieve took command of Fort Sullivan this 
day agreeable to orders. Flying hospital and stores 
were moved this day to the garrison. 

Wednesday, 25th. — This morning was entirely devoted 
to packing up and getting everything in readiness for an 
immediate march. A heavy rain fell in at 11 o'clock, 
continued greater part of the day, which prevented our 
movements. 

Thursday, 26th. — The army not being perfectly ready 
to march at 8 o'clock, a. m., agreeable to yesterday's 
orders, the signal gun for march was not fired until 11 
o'clock, when the whole took up the line of march in the 
following order, namely, light corps, commanded by 
Gerneral Hand, marched in six columns, the right com- 
manded by Colonel Butler, and the left by myself. Major 
Parr, with the riflemen, dispersed considerably in front 
of the whole, with orders to reconnoitre all mountains, 
defiles, and other suspicious places, previous to the arrival 
of the army, to prevent any surprise or ambuscade from 
taking place. The pioneers, under command of a cap- 



62 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

tain, subaltern, then followed after, which preceded the 
park of artillery; then came on the main army, in two 
columns, in the center of which moved the pack horses 
and cattle, the whole flanked on right and left by the 
flanking divisions, commanded by Colonel Dubois and 
Colonel Ogden, and rear brought up by General Clinton's 
brigade; in this position the whole moved to the upper 
end of Tioga flats, about three miles above Fort Sullivan, 
where we encamped for this night. 

This day disposed of one of my horses to Mr. Bond, 
Captain, on account of his indisposition, obtained leave 
to continue either at Fort Sullivan, or go to Wyoming, 
until the return of the regiment from the expedition. 

Friday, August 27th. — On account of some delays 
this morning army did not move until half past eight 
o'clock, A. M. Previous to the march the pioneers, under 
cover of the rifle corps, were advanced to the first and 
second defile, or narrows, some miles in front of our 
encampment, where they were employed in mending and 
cutting a road for the pack to pass. The army marched 
in same order of yesterday, the country through which 
they had to pass being exceedingly mountainous and rough, 
and the slow movements of the pack considerably im- 
peded the march. About 7 o'clock, p. m., we arrived 
near the narrows, at the lower end of Chemung, where 
we encamped in the following order; light corps near 
the entrance of the defile or narrows, and in front of some 
very extensive corn-fields, some refugee Tories, now 
acting with the favour of the main army, about one mile 
in our rear, and immediately fronting the corn-fields. 
After camping had an agreeable repast of corn, potatoes, 
beans, cucumbers, watermelons, squashes, and other 
vegetables, which were in great plenty, (produced) from 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 63 

the corn-fields already mentioned, and in the greatest 
perfection; distance of march this day, six miles. 

Saturday, August 28th. — Fore part of this day being 
employed by the general and principal officers of the army 
in reconnoitering the river and finding out some fording 
place for the artillery, pack horses, and cattle to cross, 
to gain Chemung, the defile or narrows mentioned in my 
yesterday's journal being so excessively narrow, and, 
indeed, almost impracticable for them to pass. 

The following disposition for the marching of the army 
took place accordingly, namely: The rifle corps, with 
General Maxwell's brigade, and left flanking division of 
the army, covering the park, pack horses, and cattle, 
crossed to the west side of the river, and about one and a 
half mile above recrossed the same, and formed a junc- 
tion on the lower end of Chemung flats with the light 
corps. Generals Poor and Clinton's brigades, and right 
flanking division of the army, who took their route across 
an almost inaccessible mountain, on the east side of the 
river, the bottom of which forms the narrows already 
mentioned. The summit was gained with the greatest 
difficulty; on the top of the mountain the lands, which 
are level and extensive, are exceedingly rich with large 
timber, chiefly oak, interspersed with underwood and 
excellent grass. The prospect from this mountain is 
most beautiful; we had a view of the country of at least 
twenty miles round; the flne, extensive plains, inter- 
spersed with streams of water, made the prospect pleasing 
and elegant from this mountain. We observed, at some 
considerable distance, a number of clouds of smoke arising, 
where v/e concluded the enemy to be encamped. 

Previous to the movement of the army this day, a 
small party of men were sent across the river in order 



64 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

to destroy some few Indian huts, which were immediately 
opposite our encampment. Before the business was quite 
effected they were fired upon by a party of Indians, who, 
after giving the fire, immediately retreated; the party 
executed their orders, and all returned unhurt to the 
army. 

The scout sent out last evening to reconnoitre the 
enemy near Newi:own (an Indian village so called) , returned 
this day, and reported they discovered a great number of 
fires, and that they supposed, from the extensive piece 
of ground covered by the fires, the enemy must be very 
formidable, and mean to give us battle. They likewise 
discovered four or ^\e small scouting parties on their 
way towards this place, it is supposed to reconnoitre our 
army. Since our arrival here a great quantity of furni- 
ture was found by our soldiers which was concealed in the 
adjacent woods. After forming the junction above 
mentioned we took up the line of march, and moved to 
the upper Chemung toXNTi, and encamped about 6 o'clock, 
p. M., for this night. Distance of march on a straight 
course, about two miles. 

From the great quantities of corn and other vegetables 
here and in the neighborhood, it is supposed they intended 
to establish their principal magazine at this place, which 
seems to be their chief rendezvous, whenever they intend 
to go to war; it is the key to the Pennsylvania and New 
York frontier. The corn already destroyed by our 
army is not less than 5,000 bushels upon a moderate 
calculation, and the quantity yet in the ground in this 
neighborhood, is at least the same, besides which there 
are vast quantities of beans, potatoes, squashes, pumpkins, 
etc., which shared the fate of the corn. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY Q5 

Sunday, August 29th, — This morning at 9 o'clock the 
army moved in the same order of the 26 ; the riflemen were 
well scattered in front of the light corps, who moved with 
the greatest precision and caution. On our arrival near 
the ridge on which the action of the 13th commenced 
with light corps, our van discovered several Indians in 
front, one of whom gave them a fire, and then fled. We 
continued our march for about one mile, the rifle corps 
entered a low marshy ground which seemed well calcu- 
lated for forming ambuscades; they advanced with great 
precaution, when several more Indians were discovered 
who fired and retreated. Major Parr, from those cir- 
cumstances, judged it rather dangerous to proceed any 
further without taking every caution to reconnoitre 
almost every foot of ground, and ordered one of his men 
to mount a tree and see if he could make any discoveries; 
after being some time on the tree he discovered the 
movements of several Indians (which were rendered 
conspicuous by the quantity of paint they had on them), 
as they were laying behind an extensive breastwork, 
which extended at least half a mile, and most artfully 
covered with green boughs and trees, having their right 
flank secured by the river, and their left by a mountain. 
It was situated on a rising ground — about one hundred 
yards in front of a difiicult stream of water, bounded on 
the marshy ground already mentioned on our side, and 
on the other, between it and the breastwork, by an open 
and clear field. Major Parr immediately gave intelli- 
gence to General Hand of his discoveries, who im- 
mediately advanced the light corps within about three 
hundred yards of the enemy's works, and formed in line 
of battle; the rifle corps, under cover, advanced, and 
lay under the bank of the creek within one hundred yards 



66 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

of the lines. Gen. Sullivan, having previous notice, 
arrived with the main army, and ordered the following 
disposition to take place: The rifle and light corps to 
continue their position; the left flanking division under 
command of Colonel Ogden, to take post on the left flank 
of the light corps, and General Maxwell's brigade, some 
distance in the rear, as a corps de reserve, and Colonel 
Proctor's artillery in front of the light corps, and im- 
mediately opposite the breastwork. A heavy fire en- 
sued between the rifle corps and the enemy, but little 
damage was done on either side. In the meantime. 
Generals Poor and Clinton's brigades, with the right 
flanking division, were ordered to march and gain, if 
possible, the enemy's flank and rear, whilst the rifle and 
light corps amused them in front. Col. Proctor had 
orders to be in readiness with his artillery and attack the 
lines, first allowing a suiBBcient space of time to Generals 
Poor, etc., to gain their intended stations. About 3 
o'clock, p. M., the artillery began their attack on the 
enemy's works the rifle and light corps in the meantime 
prepared to advance and charge; but the enemy, finding 
their situation rather precarious, and our troops deter- 
mined, left and retreated from their works with the great- 
est precipitation, leaving behind them a number of 
blankets, gun covers, and kettles, with corn boiling over 
the fire. Generals Poor, etc., on account of several 
difficulties which they had to surmount, could not effect 
their designs, and the enemy probably having intelli- 
gence of their approach, posted a number of troops on 
the top of a mountam, over which they had to advance. 
On their arrival near the summit of the same, the enemy 
gave them a fire, and wounded several officers and soldiers. 
General Poor pushed on and gave them a fire, as they 




THE OLD SULLIVAN MONUMENT 

On the Newtown battlefield, near Elmira, Chemung Co.. N Y Thisnicture 

shows Its condition in the go's. No trace of it now remains 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 67 

retreated, and killed five of the savages. In course of 
the day we took nine scalps (all savages) and two prison- 
ers, who were separately examined, and gave the following 
corresponding account; that the enemy were seven 
hundred men strong, viz: five hundred savages, and two 
hundred Tories, with about twenty British troops, com- 
manded by a Seneca Chief, the two Butlers, Brandt, and 
M'Donald. 

The infantry pushed on towards Newtown; the main 
army halted and encamped near the place of action, near 
which were several extensive fields of corn and other 
vegetables. About six o'clock, p. m., the infantry re- 
turned and encamped near the main army. 

The prisoners further informed us that the whole of 
their party had subsisted on corn only for this fortnight 
past, and that they had no other provisions with them; 
and that their next place of rendezvous would be at 
Catherines town, and Indian village about twenty-five 
miles from this place. 

Distance of march (exclusive of counter-marches) 
this day, about eight miles. 

Monday, August 30th. — On account of the great 
quantities of corn, beans, potatoes, turnips, and other 
vegetables, in destroying of which the troops were em- 
ployed, and the rain which set in after part of the day 
obliged us to continue on the ground for this day and 
night. The troops were likewise employed in drawing 
eight days provisions (commencing 1st day of September). 
The reason of drawing this great quantity at one time 
was (however inconsistent with that economy which is 
absolutely necessary in our present situation, considering 
the extensive campaign before us, and the time of conse- 
quence it will require to complete it), the want of pack 



68 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

horses for transporting the same, and in order to expedite 
this great point in view, are obliged to substitute our 
soldiery for carrying the same. 

From the great and unparalleled neglect of those per- 
sons employed for the purpose of furnishing the western 
army with everything necessary to enable them to carry 
through the important expedition required of them, 
General Sullivan was at this early period under the dis- 
agreeable necessity of issuing the following address to the 
army, which was communicated by the commanding 
oflBcers to their corps separately, viz : 

GENERAL SULLIVAN 's ADDRESS 

"The commander-in-chief informs the troops that he 
used every effort to procure proper supplies for the 
army, and to obtain a sufficient number of horses to 
transport them, but owing to the inattention of those 
whose business it was to make the necessary provision, 
he failed of obtaining such an ample supply, as he wished, 
and greatly fears that the supplies on hand will not, 
without the greatest prudence, enable him to complete 
the business of the expedition. 

"He therefore requests the several brigadiers and 
officers commanding corps to take the mind of the troops 
under their respective commands, whether they will, 
whilst in this country, which abounds with corn and 
vegetables of every kind, be content to draw one half 
of flour, one half of meat, and salt a day. And he desires 
the troops to give their opinions with freedom and as 
soon as possible. 

"Should they generally fall in with the proposal, he 
promises that they shall be paid that part of the rations 
which is held back at the full value in money. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 69 

**He flatters himself that the troops who have dis- 
covered so much bravery and firmness will readily consent 
to fall in with a measure so essentially necessary to 
accomplish the important purpose of the expedition, 
to enable them to add to the laurels they have already 
gained. 

"The enemy have subsisted for a number of days on 
corn only, without either salt, meat, or flour, and the 
general cannot persuade himself that troops, who so far 
surpass them in bravery and true valour, will suffer them- 
selves to be outdone in that fortitude and perseverance, 
which not only distinguishes but dignifies the soldier. 
He does not mean to continue this through the campaign, 
but only wishes it to be adopted in those places where 
vegetables may supply the place of a part of the common 
ration of meat and flour, which will be much better than 
without any. 

'*The troops will please to consider the matter, and 
give their opinion as soon as possible." 

Agreeable to the above address, the army was drawn 
up (this evening) in corps separately, and the same, 
through their commanding ofiicers made known to them, 
and their opinions requested thereupon, when the whole, 
without a dissenting voice cheerfully agreed to the request 
of the general, which they signified by unanimously 
holding up their hands and giving three cheers. 

This remarkable instance of fortitude and virtue 
cannot but endear those brave troops to all ranks of 
people, more particularly as it was so generally and 
cheerfully entered into without a single dissenting voice. 

Tuesday, August 31st. — Took up our line of march 
in usual order at 9 o'clock, a. m. ; marched about four 
miles and a half through a broken and mountainous 



70 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

country, and an almost continuous defile on the east 
side of Cayuga branch, the west of the same for that dis- 
tance was an excellent plain, on which large quantities 
of corn, beans, potatoes, and other vegetables stood, 
and were destroyed by us the preceding day. We then 
crossed Cayuga branch, where it forks with a stream of 
water running east and west, and landed on a most beauti- 
ful piece of country remarkably level. On the banks 
of the same stood a small Indian village, which was im- 
mediately destroyed. The soldiers found great quanti- 
ties of furniture, etc., which was buried, some of which 
they carried off, and some was destroyed. About 2 
o'clock, p. M., we proceeded along the path which leads 
to Catherines town (an Indian village), and leaves the 
Cayuga branch on its left. About 5 o'clock, p. m., we 
encamped on a most beautiful plain, interspersed with 
marshes, well calculated for meadows. Wood chiefly 
pine, interspersed with hazel bushes, and great quanti- 
ties of grass; distance of march this day, 10 miles. 

Wednesday, September 1st. — About 9 o'clock, p. m., 
whole army moved together in good order, on a level 
piece of gi'ound. About 11 o'clock, a. m., we entered an 
extensive hemlock swamp, not less than six miles through; 
the path though almost impassible, owing to the number 
of defiles, long ranges of mountains, ravine after ravine, 
Interspersed with thick underwood, etc. The infantry, 
with the greatest diflSculty, got through about half past 
nine o'clock, p. m. The remainder of the army, with the 
pack horses, cattle, etc., were chiefly the whole night 
employed in getting through. 

As the infantry were approaching Catherines town we 
were alarmed by the howling of dogs and other great 




THE MARKER AT WYSOX, BRADFORD CU., PA. 

Near the site of the Indian village of Wesauking. Placed by the Geo. Clyner 

Chapter, D. A. R. in 1908. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 71 

noise. A few of the riflemen were dispatched in order 
to reconnoitre the place. In the meantime we formed in 
two soHd colunms, at fixed bayonets, with positive orders 
not a man to fire his gun, but to rush on in case the enemy 
should make a stand; but the riflemen, who had been sent 
to reconnoitre the town, returned with the intelligence 
the enemy had left it. We then immediately altered 
our position on account of the narrowness of the road, 
and marched in files through the first part of the town, 
after which we crossed the creek; in a field immediately 
opposite, where there stood a number of houses also, 
where we encamped, and substituted the timber of the 
houses in room of fire- wood. On our arrival, we found 
a number of fires burning, which appeared as if they had 
gone off precipitately. This day's march completed 
12 miles. 

Thursday, Sept. 2d. — The dismal situation of our 
pack horses and cattle, of which several were killed by 
falling into ditches, and several otherwise disabled in 
getting through this horrid swamp last evening, pre- 
vented our march this morning. The fore part of this 
day was entirely employed in collecting them, which, 
from their scattered and dispersed situation, was attended 
with the greatest difficulty. 

We this morning found an old squaw, who, we suppose, 
by reason of her advanced age, could not be carried off, 
and therefore was left to our mercy. On examining her, 
she informed us that the Indians, on our approach last 
evening, went off very precipitately; that the women and 
children had gone off in the morning to take shelter in 
some mountains, until the army had passed them; that 
Colonel Butler promised he would send back some war- 
riors, who should conduct them bye-ways to some place 



72 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

of safety. She further adds, that, previous to the squaws 
going off, there was great contention with them and the 
warriors about their going off; the former had determined 
on staying and submitting to our generosity; the latter 
opposed it, and informed them that, by such a step, 
the Americans would be able to bring them to any terms 
they pleased; whereas, did they go off, they would have 
it in their power to come to more favourable terms, 
should a treaty of any kind be offered. 

Catherines to"v\Ti is pleasantly situated on a creek, 
about three miles from Seneca lake; it contained nearly 
fifty houses, in general, very good — the country near is 
very excellent. We found several very fine corn-fields, 
which afforded the greatest plenty of corn, beans, etc., 
of which, after our fatiguing march, we had an agreeable 
repast. After getting everything in perfect readiness, 
we took up our line of march at 7 o'clock this morning. 
The roads from this place for about one mile were rather 
diflScult and swampy. We then ascended a rising country, 
which was, in general, level, excepting a few defiles which 
we had to pass, but were by no reason dangerous or 
difficult. The lands are rich, abounding with fine, large, 
and clear timber, chiefly white oak, hickory, walnut, 
and ash; bounded on the left for about three miles with 
excellent marsh or meadow ground, after which proceeds 
the beautiful Seneca lake, which abounds with all kinds 
of fish, particularly salmon, trout, rock, that which 
resembles perch, as also sheep-head. 

Previous to our leaving this place, the squaw which 
was taken here, was left, and a hut erected, of which she 
took possession. A quantity of wood was also gathered 
and carried to the hut for her use; she was also provided 
with a quantity of provisions. All these favours had such 
an effect on her that it drew tears from her savage eyes. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 73 

It is about three miles in breadth, and about forty 
miles in length. Upon the right, though considerably 
up the country, is another delightful lake, called Kayuga 
lake; abounds with all kinds of fish also, and is about 
forty-six miles in length. 

We proceeded along this beautiful country about twelve 
miles, and encamped near a corn-field, on which stood 
several Indian cabins; bearing between the light corps 
and main army an advantageous ravine, and bounded 
on our left by Seneca lake. 

Previous to our arrival here the Indians who occupied 
the cabins already mentioned, probably discovered our 
approach, pushed off precipitately, leaving their ket- 
tles with corn boiling over the fire. During our march 
that day we discovered several trees with the following 
characters newly cut on them by those savages commanded 
by Brandt and the Butlers, and with whom we had the 
action on the 29th ultimo. 

Saturday, Sept. 4th. — On account of the rain this 
morning the army did not move until 10 o'clock, a. m. 
We passed through a delightful level country, the soil 
of which very rich, the timber fine and large, interspersed 
with hazel bushes, fine grass and pea vines. On our 
march we discovered several fires burning, which fully 
intimated some of the savages were not far off in front of 
us. We destroyed several fields of corn, and, after a 
march of thirteen miles, we encamped in the woods, in the 
front of a very large ravine, and about half a mile from 
Seneca lake. On account of some difficulties with the 
pack horses, etc., the main army did not reach so far as 
the infantry, and encamped about two miles in their rear. 

Sunday, Sept. 5th. — About 9 o'clock this morning the 
army moved through a country much the same as yester- 



74 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

day. About 12 o'clock we arrived at Canadia, about 
three miles from the last encampment, where we encamped 
for this night. Previous to our arrival we entered several 
corn-fields, and furnished the men with two days allow- 
ance of the same. The riflemen, who were advanced, 
retook a prisoner who was taken last year by the savages 
on the east branch of the Susquehanna. An Indian, who 
lay concealed, fired, but without effect on our riflemen, and 
immediately fled. 

On examining the prisoner, he informed us that Brandt, 
with near a thousand savages, including Butler's rangers, 
left the town last Friday, seemingly much frightened and 
fatigued — that they were pushing for Kanandauaga, an 
Indian village, where they mean to make a stand and give 
us battle. He further informs us that, exclusive of a 
considerable number of savages killed and wounded in 
the action of the 29th, seven Tories were killed; that all 
their wounded, with some dead, were carried in canoes 
up the Cayuga branch — that they allow they sustained a 
very heavy loss in that action. 

Canadia is much the finest village we have yet come to. 
It is situated in a rising ground, in the midst of an exten- 
sive apple and peach orchard, within half a mile of Seneca 
lake; it contains about forty well finished houses, and 
everything about it seems neat and well improved. 

Monday, Sept. 6th. — The fore part of the day was 
entirely employed in hunting up our horses and cattle, 
a number of which were lost. About 2 o'clock w^etook 
up our line of march, and moved about three miles^ 
where we encamped on a beautiful piece of wood land 
(interspersed with vast quantities of pea vines, which 
served for food for our horses), our rear covered by the 
lake, our flank by considerable ravines. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 75 

On the fourth, while on our march, several officers' 
waiters, who had delayed in the rear, lost the path along 
which the army moved, and, towards night, found them- 
selves near an Indian village, which had been previously 
evacuated. They found a quantity of plunder, which they 
brought off, first putting the town in flames. A captain 
and a party, on missing, being sent in pursuit, and fell 
in with them as they were returning to the encamping 
place occupied by the army the preceding day, and con- 
ducted them safe to the army at Canadia. 

An express from Tioga, where packets, etc., for the 
army, arrived this day at head-quarters — received several 
letters from my friends. 

Tuesday, Sept. 7th. — At half past seven o'clock the 
army moved and arrived at the head of the lake about 
2 o'clock, p. M. The country we passed through was 
exceedingly fine, and chiefly along the water for eight miles 
and a half. 

About 3 o'clock, p. m., the rifle and infantry corps 
crossed at the mouth of the lake, about knee deep, and 
not above thirty yards wide. On our arrival on the 
opposite shore, we immediately entered a dangerous and 
narrow defile, bounded on the left by the head of Seneca 
lake, and on our right by a large morass and flooded at 
intervals, well calculated to form an ambuscade. From 
every circumstance, both as to intelligence and the great 
advantage the enemy might have had from its situation, 
we fairly expected an attack. However, we moved through 
in files, supported by the two flanking divisions, and gained 
the other side. The main army then crossed, and took 
our place. We then moved through a second defile, 
as difficult as the first, and formed again until the main 
army possessed themselves of the same ground we had 



76 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

just left. We then marched and passed a third defile, 
and formed in a corn-field, near a large house, which was 
beautifully situated on the head of the lake, and generally 
occupied by Butler, one of the savage leaders. 

The light corps, flanked by two flanking divisions, 
received orders to move and gain the rear of the town. 
The main army took the path, and marched immediately 
in front of the same; but the enemy no doubt having 
previous notice of our moTcments, had abandoned the 
toWTi, which we entered about dusk, leaving behind them 
a number of bear and deer skins, and also a fine white 
child of about three years old. 

This town is called Kanadasaga, and appears to be one 
of their capital settlements; about it is a fine apple or- 
chard and a council house. There was in the neighbour- 
hood a great quantity of corn, beans, etc., which, after 
taking great quantities for the use of the army, we totally 
destroyed; burned the houses, which were in number 
about fifty, and girdled the apple trees. Distance of 
march this day, about 12 miles. 

Wednesday, Sept. 8th. — This day we lay on our 
ground; the rifle corps, with several other parties, were 
detached down the lake to destroy a small village, called 
Gaghsiungua, and a quantity of corn, etc., in this neigh- 
bourhood, and the army prepared for a march early 
tomorrow morning. 

Various opinions prevailed among many officers about 
our proceeding any further on account of our provisions; 
but General Sullivan, with a number of officers, nobly 
resolved to encounter every difficulty to execute the 
important expedition, and determined, notwithstanding 
the horrid neglect in not furnishing us with provision, 
horses, etc., sufficient to enable us to carry through the 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 77 

expedition, even to proceed on with the scanty pittance, 
and accompHsh the arduous task of destroying the whole 
Seneca country. 

Thursday, September 9th. — On account of a number 
of pack horses which had gone astray and could not be 
found, the army did not march at 6 o'clock agreeable to 
yesterday's orders. A command of fifty men, under a 
captain, returned from this place to Tioga to escort the 
sick and those who were not able to proceed without 
retarding the march of the army, which is now under the 
necessity on account of our wants to be as expeditious 
as possible to complete the expedition; all those pack 
horses which were lame, or otherwise reduced, likewise 
returned. 

About twelve o'clock the army marched; their first 
route was over bushy land, interspersed with remark- 
ably wild high grass, and appeared to have been formerly 
cleared. We then descended into an extensive maple 
swamp, which was very rich, and well calculated for 
meadow. After marching several miles, we came to a 
creek, known by the name of Flint Creek, which the 
whole, excepting Clinton's brigade, crossed, and encamped 
on a plain which had just been occupied by the enemy but 
a few days before for the same purpose. Distance of 
march, seven miles. 

The rifle corps who yesterday went to destroy Gaghsiun- 
gua this evening returned. They report it was a fine 
town, well improved, with a great quantity of corn near 
the same; likewise, an abundance of beans, water 
melons, peaches, and all kinds of vegetables, the whole of 
which they totally destroyed. 

Friday, Sept. 10th. — ^At 8 o'clock this morning the army 
took up their line of march in the usual order. Their 



78 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

route, about four miles, continued through the swamp, 
which, in some places, was miry, and difficult for pack 
horses, otherwise the foot would not have been much 
retarded. We then arrived on very fine ground for march- 
ing, which, to all appearance, was old cleared fields, as 
they contained a great quantity of wild grass as high as 
the horses in many places. The land contained in this 
manner (alternately having a strip of wood between) 
for about four miles, when we arrived at a lake (the name 
I could not learn), which appeared to be a mile wide, and 
six or seven miles in length. We marched half a mile 
along this lake, and came to the mouth, which we crossed; 
the water was not knee deep, and about thirty yards over; 
but it narrowed so fast that, about twenty yards from the 
mouth, it was not in width more than five, but much deep- 
er. We then moved up a fine country from the lake, 
and in half a mile came to Kanadalaugua, beautifully 
situated town, containing between twenty and thirty 
houses, well finished, chiefly of hewn plank, which we 
immediately burned, and proceeded about half a mile 
on our right, where we found a large field of corn, squashes, 
beans, etc. At this place we encamped, but were very 
badly off for water, having none but what we sent half a 
mile for, and that very bad. The Seneca country, from 
its extreme flatness, having no good springs, which is 
extremely disagreeable for a marching army. Distance 
of march this day, 9 miles. 

In this town a dog was hung up, with a string of wam- 
pum round his neck, on a tree, curiously decorated and 
trimmed. On inquiry, I was informed that it was a 
custom among the savages before they went to war to 
offer this as a sacrifice to Mars, the God of war, and 
praying that he might strengthen them. In return 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 79 

for those favors, they promise to present him with the 
skin for a tobacco pouch. 

Saturday, Sept. 11th. — ^Agreeable to orders we took 
up our hne of march this morning precisely at 6 o'clock. 
We moved through a thicket and swamp near one mile 
before we gained the main path. The infantry, on ac- 
count of this difficult swamp, could not possibly march 
in the usual order, without being considerably dispersed. 
We moved along this path for about three miles, after 
which we ascended a rising ground; the country remark- 
ably fine and rich, covered chiefly with pine, oak, and 
hickory timber. At intervals we crossed considerable 
clear fields, with remarkably high, wild grass. About 
1 o'clock we descended into a most beautiful valley, 
within one mile of an Indian village, known by the name 
of Anyayea, situate on a fine plain, within about half 
a mile of Anyayea lake, which is but small and very beauti- 
ful, and abounds with all kinds of fish. This town con- 
tains about twelve houses, chiefly hewn logs. About it 
are several large corn-fields, and a number of apple and 
other fruit trees. We encamped about two o'clock for 
this day, after completing a march of thirteen miles. 

Sunday, Sept. 12th. — In order to expedite our march, 
and prevent the enemy from making off with their effects 
from Jenese, their capital, and last town in the Seneca 
country, it was determined a garrison of fifty men, with 
those soldiers who were not very able to march, should 
continue at this post, in order to guard our stores, viz., 
ammunition and flour, until our return. 

The rain having set in very heavy this morning, we 
could not move until about twelve o'clock. We then 
began to march, but, on account of a defile which we had 



80 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

to cross, could not march in the usual order. After pass- 
ing the same, we took up our line of march as usual, and 
ascended a rising j^iece of ground. After marching about 
five miles, we came to a lake, which we crossed at the 
mouth, being about knee deep, and about ten yards over. 
We then ascended another rising piece of ground, com- 
posed of exceedingly fine, rich land, with large oak and 
hickory timber, and at intervals, with marsh or swamp, 
well calculated for meadow ground. After arriving 
within half a mile of Kanaghsas, a small Indian village, 
which was previously destined for this day's march, 
night set in, and the main army being at least a mile 
in our rear, we received orders to encamp for this night, 
which was in the woods, and exceedingly ill calculated 
for that purpose, no water being nearer than half a mile. 
This day's march completed twelve hours. 

After we encamped, Lieutenant Boyd, of the rifle corps, 
some volunteers, and as many riflemen, made up six and 
twenty in the whole, were sent up to reconnoitre the town 
of Jenese, having for their guide an Oneida Indian, 
named Hanjost, a chief of that tribe, who has been 
remarkable for his attachment to this country, having 
served as a volunteer since the commencement of the 
war. 

Monday, Sept. 13th. — This morning before daylight 
we left; the general beat, on which the tents were immedi- 
ately struck, and in half an hour the army marched into 
the toWTi of Kanaghsas, which contained ten houses, 
situate on a flat near the head of a small lake. The 
flat contained a great quantity of corn, and vegetables 
of all kinds, which were remarkably well tended. At 
this place we halted, to draw provisions, viz., beef (half 
allowance), and to destroy the town, corn, etc. 



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GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 81 

Four men of Lieutenent Boyd's party this morning 
returned, bringing information of the town of Gagsuqui- 
lahery (which they took for Jenese — being abandoned. 
About 12 o'clock we were alarmed by some Indians 
firing and giving chase to Mr. Lodge and a few men who 
went forward to survey. They wounded a corporal, 
who died next day, and chased them until one of our camp 
sentinels fired on them and stopped their career. 

Lieutenant Boyd having retired from the town of 
Gaghsuquilahery to await for the arrival of the main 
army, which was detained longer than he expected, he 
sent back two men to know the cause; these two men had 
not gone far before they discovered a few Indians ahead. 
They then retired and informed Lieutenant Boyd, who 
immediately, with his party, gave chase, and followed 
them within about two miles and a half from the main 
army, where a body of savages, of at least four or five 
hundred, lay concealed, and probably intended giving 
the main army (the ground being favorable on their side), 
a fire, and push off according to custom, who immediately 
surrounded him and his party. He nobly fought them 
for some considerable time; but, by their great superiority, 
he was obliged to attempt a retreat, at the same time 
loading and firing as his party ran. 

The Indians killed, and in the most inhuman manner, 
tomahawked and scalped six that were found. Nine of 
the party have got safe in; but Lieutenant Boyd and 
Hanjost (the Indian already mentioned), with seven 
others, are yet missing, one of whom we know is a prisoner, 
as one Murphy, a rifleman of the party, who made his 
escape, saw him in their possession. This Murphy is a 
noted marksman, and a great soldier, he having killed and 
scalped that morning, in the town they were at, an Indian, 



82 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

which makes three and thirtieth man of the enemy he 
has killed, as is well known to his officers, this war. 

There being a swamp or morass totally impassable for 
our horses, in front of Kanaghsas, the infantry and rifle 
corps passed over, and ascended the hill, wherein Indians 
lay, in hopes to come up mth them; but they had fled, 
leaving behind them upwards of one hundred blankets, 
a great number of hats, and many other things, which we 
took, and then halted until the main army arrived, they 
having first been obliged, in order to enable them to move, 
to throw a hedge over the morass. 

The whole then took up their line of march, and pro- 
ceded to the town of Gaghsuquilahery, through the finest 
country I almost ever saw, without exception. Before 
dusk we arrived within sight of the town. The Indians, 
having thrown themselves in a wood on the opposite 
side, the following disposition for an attack was im- 
mediately ordered to take place, viz.; the infantry, 
with the artillery, to push on in front; General Maxwell's 
brigade, with the left flanking division, to endeavour 
to gain the enemy's right; General Poor's brigade to move 
and gain their left; the right flanking division, and two 
regiments from General Clinton's brigade to move round 
Poor's right flank; the infantry to rush on in front, 
supported by the remainder of Clinton's brigade. We 
then moved forward, and took possession of the town 
without opposition, the enemy flying before us across a 
branch of Genesee river, through a thicket, where it was 
impossible for us to follow, we not being acquainted with 
the country, and night having set in. We received orders 
to encamp, after making a march of eight and a half 
miles, 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 83 

Tuesday, Sept. 14th. — Previous to our march this 
morning parties were ordered out to destroy the corn, 
which they did, plucking and throwing it into the river. 
About 11 o'clock we took up our line of march and pro- 
ceeded for Jenese, the last and capital settlement of the 
Seneca country; the whole crossed a branch of the Jenise 
river, and moved through a considerable swamp, and 
formed on a plain the other side, the most extensive 
I ever saw, containing not less than six thousand acres 
of the richest soil that can be conceived, not having a 
bush standing, but filled with grass considerably higher 
than a man. We moved up this plain for about three 
miles in our regular line of march, which was a beautiful 
site, as a view of the whole could be had at one look, and 
then came to Jenise river, which we crossed, being about 
forty yards over, and near middle deep, and then ascended 
a rising ground, which afforded a prospect which was so 
beautiful that, to attempt a comparison, would be doing 
an injury, as we had a view as far as our eyes could carry 
us of another plain, besides the one we crossed, through 
which the Jenise river formed a most beautiful winding, 
and, at intervals, cataracts, which rolled from the rocks, 
and emptied into the river. 

We then marched on through a rough but rich coimtry, 
until we arrived at the capital town, which is much the 
largest we have yet met with in our whole route, and en- 
camped about the same. 

At this place we found the body of the brave but 
unfortimate Lieutenant Boyd, and one rifleman, mas- 
sacred in the most cruel and barbarous manner that the 
human mind can possibly conceive; the savages having 
put them to the most excruciating torments possible, 
by first plucking their nails from their hands, then spear- 



84 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

ing, cutting, and whipping them, and manghng their 
bodies, then cutting off the flesh from their shoulders 
by pieces, tomahawking and severing their heads from 
their bodies, and then leaving them a prey to their dogs. 
We likewise found one house burned, in which, probably, 
was a scene as cruel as the former. 

This evening the remains of Lieutenant Boyd and the 
riflemen's corpse were interred with military honors. 
Mr. Boyd's former good character, as a brave soldier, 
and an honest man, and his behaviour in the skirmish of 
yesterday (several of the Indians being found dead, and 
some seen carried off), must endear him to all friends of 
mankind. May his fate await those who have been the 
cause of his. Oh! Britain, behold and blush. Jenise 
town, the capital of the Seneca nation, is pleasantly 
situated on a rich and extensive flat, the soil remarkably 
rich, and great parts well improved with fields of corn, 
beans, potatoes, and all kinds of vegetables. It con- 
tained one hundred and seven well finished houses. 

Wednesday, Sept. 15th. — This morning the whole 
army, excepting a covering party, were engaged in destroy- 
ing the corn, beans, potatoes, and other vegetables, 
which were in quantity immense, and in goodness un- 
equaled by any I ever yet saw. Agreeable to a moderate 
calculation, there was not less than two hundred acres, 
the whole of which was pulled and piled up in large heaps, 
mixed with dry wood, taken from the houses, and con- 
sumed to ashes. About 3 o'clock, p. m., the business was 
finished, and the immediate object of this expedition 
completed, viz., the total ruin of the Indian settlements, 
and the destruction of their crops. The following is a 
part of the orders issued this day, viz : 

"The commander-in-chief informs this brave and reso- 
lute army that the immediate objects of this expedition 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 85 

are accomplished, viz: total ruin of the Indian settle- 
ments, and the destruction of their crops, which were 
designed for the support of those inhuman barbarians, 
while they were desolating the American frontiers. He 
is by no means insensible of the obligations he is under 
to those brave officers and soldiers whose virtue and forti- 
tude have enabled him to complete the important design 
of the expedition, and he assures them he will not fail 
to inform America at large how much they stand indebted 
to them. The army will this day commence its march 
for Tioga." 

Previous to our leaving Jenise, a woman with a child 
came in to us, who had been taken prisoner last year near 
Wyoming, and fortunately made her escape from the 
savages. She, with her bantling, was almost starved for 
want of food; she informs us that the Indians have been 
in great want all last spring — that they subsisted 
entirely on green corn this summer — that their squaws 
were fretting prodigiously, and continually teasing their 
warriors to make peace — that by promises by Butler and 
his minions, they are fed up with great things that 
should be done for them — that they seem considerably 
cast down and frightened; and, in short, she says distress 
and trouble seem painted on their countenances. Dis- 
tance of march this day, six miles. 

Thursday, Sept. 15th. — After destroying several 
corn-fields, we took up our line of march about 11 o'clock, 
A. M., and proceeded towards Kanaghsas. Previous to 
our arrival there, parties were ordered out to reconnoitre 
the woods, and gather the bodies of those soldiers who fell 
in the skirmish of the 13th. Fourteen, including those 
six mentioned in my journal of the 13th, were found, 
and buried with military honors. The sight was most 



86 A HEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

shocking, as they were all scalped, tomahawked, and most 
inhumanly mangled. Amongst those unfortunate men 
was Hanjost, the volunteer Indian, who fared equally 
with the rest. About six o'clock we arrived at Kanaghsas, 
and encamped. We found several corn-fields, which 
were immediately laid waste. Our march this day, 9 
miles. 

Friday, Sept. 17th. — About 5 o'clock this morning the 
general beat, the tents were struck, and the line of march 
taken up about 6 o'clock. We arrived at Anyeay about 
12 o'clock, being the place our stores, with a garrison, was 
left. It was not with little satisfaction that we found 
everything safe. W^e were not without our apprehensions 
about them, on account of the intelligence we were fearful 
the enemy might have collected from the unfortunate 
prisoners who fell in their hands on the 13th. We en- 
camped in the same order and on the same ground as on 
the 11th inst. 

Saturday, Sept. 18th. — This morning about 8 o'clock 
the army moved; the rear was ordered (before they left 
the ground) to kill all such horses as were unable to move 
along, lest they should fall into the enemy's hands. 
On our route we fell in with several Oneida Indians (our 
friends), who seemed much rejoiced at our great success 
against the Seneca nations. We arrived about 6 o'clock, 
p. M., at the east side of the Kanadauga lake, where we 
encamped, after completing a march of thirteen miles 
and a half. 

Sunday, Sept. 19th. — The army moved at eight o'clock 
this morning in the usual order; excepting a few obstruc- 
tions they met with passing through several swamps, 
they marched remarkably steady. On our route we were 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 87 

met by an express from Tioga, who brought a number 
of letters and papers informing us of Spain declaring war 
against Great Britain. They also brought us the agree- 
able intelligence of a good supply for the army having 
come on to Newton (about twenty miles above Tioga), to 
meet us. This agreeable intelligence conspired to make 
us exceedingly happy, as we had not only been a long 
time entirely in the dark with respect to home news, 
but the disagreeable reflection of half allowance was 
entirely dispelled. We pursued our march until we 
arrived at Kanadasaga, which was about dusk. When 
the infantry got up; we encamped on the same ground, 
and in the same position, as on the 7th, after completing 
a march of fifteen miles. 

Monday, Sept. 20th. — The greater part of the day was 
employed at head-quarters in holding a council in conse- 
quence of the intercession made by sone Oneida Indians 
(our friends) in favour of the Cayuga tribe, who had been 
for some time past in alliance with the Senecas, and acted 
with them, and are now desirous to make peace with us. 
The council determined no treaty should be held "^^th 
them and a command of five hundred infant ry^ with Major 
Parr's rifle corps, were immediately detached and sent 
to Cayuga lake, on which their settlement lay, with orders 
to lay wait and destroy their towns, corn, etc., and receive 
none of them but in the characters of prisoners of war. 
Col. Smith, with two hundred men, was also dispatched 
down the north side of the Seneca lake in order to finish 
the destruction of Gausiunque, an Indian village about 
eight miles below Canadasaga. Colonel Gainsworth, 
with one hundred men, was likewise detached, and sent 
to Fort Stanwix for some business, from whence he is to 



88 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

proceed to head-quarters on the north river, and join the 
main army. 

About 4 o'clock, p. m., the army took up their Une of 
march, and moved steadily. About half past five they 
reached and crossed the outlet of Seneca lake, and en- 
camped about one mile beyond the same. 

Tuesday, Sept. 21st. — The army marched this morning 
about eight o'clock, and continued moving steadily until 
we passed Canadia about two miles, where we encamped, 
near the lake. Previous to our marching this morning. 
Colonel Dearbourn, with a command of two hundred men, 
marched to destroy a town on the north side of Cayuga 
lake, distance of march this day, 13 miles. 

Thursday, Sept. 23d. — About 8 o'clock this morning 
the army marched, and arrived at Catherines town about 
2 o'clock, p. M., where we made a small halt. We found 
at this place the old Indian squaw who was left here on 
our march up the country. General Sullivan gave her 
a considerable supply of flour and meat, for which, 
tears in her savage eyes, she expressed a great deal of 
thanks. During our absence from this place a young 
squaw came and attended on the old one; but some 
inhuman villian who passed through killed her. What 
made this crime still more heinous was, because a manifesto 
was left with the old squaw positively forbidding any 
violence or injury should be committed on the women or 
children of the savages, by virtue of which it appears 
this young squaw came to this place, which absolutely 
comes under the virtue of a breach of faith, and the 
offender ought to be severely punished. 

I went to view, in company with a number of gentle- 
men, a very remarkable fall of water, which is about one 
mile above this place. Its beauty and elegance surpass 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 89 

almost anything I ever saw. The fall is not less then two 
hundred feet. About 3 o'clock the army moved about 
three miles further, and ehcamped on a plain at the en- 
trance of the great swamp, after completing a march of 
thirteen miles and a half. 

Friday, Sept. 24th. — This morning precisely at 8 
o'clock the army moved, and continued their route 
through the hemlock swamp mentioned in the 1st inst., 
meeting with much fewer obstructions than we expected, 
owing to the very dry weather which we had had for this 
month past. After passing through the same we came to 
a fine open country, and soon arrived at Kanawaluhery, 
where there was a post established with a reinforcement 
of stores, which was a most pleasing circumstance, as 
the last was issued, and that at half allowance at Kana- 
dasaga. On our arrival, the garrison saluted with the 
discharge of thirteen cannon, which complement was 
returned them by the army. 

Saturday, Sept. 25th. — In consequence of the acces- 
sion of the King of Spain to the American alliance, and the 
generous proceedings of the present Congress in augment- 
ing the subsistence of the officers and men of the army, 
General Sullivan ordered five head of the best cattle, viz: 
one for the use of the officers of each brigade, with five 
gallons of spirits each, to be delivered to them respectively, 
thereby giving them an opportunity of testifying their 
joy on this occasion. 

In the evening the whole was drawn up and fired a 
feu-de-joie, thirteen cannon being first discharged. The 
infantry then commenced a running fire through the whole 
line, which, being repeated a second time, the whole army 
gave three cheers, viz: one for the United States of 
America, one for Congress, and one for our new ally, 
the King of Spain. 



90 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

The army being then dismissed, General Hand, with 
the officers of his brigade, attended by the officers of the 
park or artillery, repaired to a bowery, erected for that 
purpose, where the fatted bullock was served up (dressed 
in different ways), the whole seated themselves on the 
ground around the same, which afforded them a most 
agreeable repast. The officers being very jovial, and the 
evening was spent in great mirth and jollity. 

After dinner the following toasts were drank, the drums 
and fifes playing at intervals. 

1st. The thirteen states and their sponsers. 

2d. The honourable, the American Congress. 

3d. General Washington and the American Army. 

4th. The commander-in-chief of the western expedi- 
tion. 

5th. The American navy. 

6th. Our faithful allies, the united houses of Bourbon. 

7th. May the American Congress, and all her legisla- 
tive representatives, be endowed with virtue and wisdom, 
and may her independence be as firmly established as the 
pillars of time. 

8th. May the citizens of America, and her soldiers, 
be ever unanimous in the reciprocal support of each other. 

9th. May altercations, discord, and every degree of 
fraud, be totally banished the peaceful shores of America. 

10th. May the memory of brave Lieutenant Boyd, 
and the soldiers under his command, who were horribly 
massacred by the inhuman savages, or by their more 
barbarous and detestable allies, the British and Tories, 
on the 13th inst., be ever dear to his country. 

11th. An honourable peace with America, or perpetual 
war with her enemies. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 91 

12th. May the kingdom of Ireland merit a stripe in the 
American standard. 

13th. May the enemies of America be metamor- 
phosed into pack horses, and sent on a western expedition 
against the Indians. 

An express with dispatches for General Sullivan, 
from Philadelphia, arrived this morning, by whom I 
received a packet enclosing the commissions for my 
oflBcers. 

About 11 o'clock, A. M., the command under Colonel 
Dearbourn, who left us the 21st of June to proceed to 
Cayuga lake, returned, bringing two squaw prisoners; 
he having, in his route, destroyed several to\\Tis and a 
great quantity of fine corn. 

Monday, Sept. 27th. — The detachment ordered to 
march yesterday moved this morning up Tioga branch 
to an Indian village, about twelve miles from this place, 
with orders to destroy the same. 

Coleman and Caldwell, two of my soldiers, after wander- 
ing for seven days in the wilderness, found and joined us 
at this place. They subsisted, during their absence, 
on the hearts and livers of two dead horses which they 
found on the path along which the army had marched. 

At dusk, this evening, the detachment which marched 
this morning returned, after destroying a considerable 
quantity of corn, beans, and other vegetables, sixteen boat 
loads of which they brought with them for the use of 
the army; they also burned a small village. 

Tuesday, Sept. 28th. — Several coromands were ordered 
out this day, viz., one up and the other do\\ai the Tioga 
branch, for the purpose of destroying corn, etc., of which 
there was a great quantity left on our march towards the 
Seneca country. 



92 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

All the lame and sick soldiers of the army were this 
day ordered to go to Tioga in boats, and the pack horses 
least able for other duty. 

Colonel Butler, with his command, after laying waste 
and destroying the Cayuga settlements, and corn, etc., 
of which there was a great quantity, returned, and joined 
the army about 10 o'clock this morning. 

Wednesday, Sept. 29th. — The army marched this 
morning about 8 o'clock, and continued moving steadily 
until we passed Chemung about one mile, where we 
encamped on the same ground, and in the same position, 
as on the 27th. The two commands ordered out yester- 
day morning returned, and joined the army at this place 
about 9 o'clock, p. m., after destroying large quantities 
of corn, beans, and other vegetables. 

Thursday, Sept. 30th. — This morning about 8 o'clock 
the army moved. About 2 o'clock they arrived at Tioga 
plains, near Fort Sullivan, where the whole formed in 
regular line of march, and moved into the garrison in 
the greatest order, when we were received with military 
honours, the garrison turning out with presented arms 
and a salute of thirteen rounds from their artillery, which 
complement was returned them from the park of artillery 
with the army. 

Colonel Shrieve, governor of the garrison, had an ele- 
gant dinner provided for the general and field officers 
of the army. We regaled ourselves, and great joy and 
good humor was visible in every countenance. Colonel 
Proctor's band, and drums and fifes played in concert 
the whole time. 

Friday, Oct. 1st. — This morning the horses belonging 
to the officers of the brigade were forwarded to Wyoming. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 93 

We also sent our cow which we had along with us the whole 
expedition, and to whom we are under infinite obligations 
for the great quantity of milk she afforded us, which 
rendered our situation very comfortable, and was no 
small addition to our half allowance. 

This afternoon Colonel Brewer, General Sullivan's 
secretary, set off to Congress with the dispatches, which 
contained a relation of the great success of the expedition. 

Saturday, Oct. 2d. — This day the commander-in- 
chief made an elegant entertainment, and invited all the 
general and field officers of the army to dine with him. 

In the evening, to conclude the mirth of the day, we 
had an Indian dance. The officers who joined in it 
putting on visors (alias Monetas). The dance was 
conducted and led off by a young Sachem of the Oneida 
tribe, who was next followed by several other Indians, 
then the whole led off, and, after the Indian custom, 
danced to the music, which was a rattle, a knife, and a 
pipe, which the Sachem continued clashing together and 
singing Indian the whole time. At the end of each, the 
Indian whoop was set up by the whole. 

Sunday, Oct. 3d. — Agreeable to the orders of yester- 
day, the garrison of Fort Sullivan this day joined their 
respective corps, and the fort was demolished. The 
stores and other baggage with the park of artillery were 
put on board the boats, and every other matter put in 
perfect readiness to move with the army, on their route 
to Wyoming, tomorrow morning at 5 o'clock. 

The young Sachem, with several Oneida Indians, 
relatives and friends of the unfortunate Indian Hanjost, 
who bravely fell with the party under command of the 
much lamented Lieutenant Boyd on the 13th ult., who 



94 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

faithfully acted as guide to the army, left us this day, well 
pleased (after bestowing some presents on them), for their 
native place, the Oneida country. 

The German regiment, which composed a part of the 
flanking divisions of the army, was this day ordered to 
join and do duty with the third Pennsylvania brigade, 
commanded by Gen. Hand. 

Monday, Oct. 4th. — This day about 8 o'clock the army 
took up their line of march. We arrived at Wessaukin 
about 6 o'clock in the evening, after completing a march 
of fifteen miles. On account of the rain, marching was 
rather disagreeable this day. 

On my arrival at this place I received a letter, with 
some newspapers, etc., from his excellency. President 
Read, which contained agreeable news, etc. 

Wednesday, Oct. 6th. — About 8 o'clock this morning 
the whole embarked again, and moved, paying no atten- 
tion to order down the river. 

Thursday, Oct. 7th. — Embarked about 6 o'clock, and 
kept on steadily until we arrived at Wyoming. About 
3 o'clock, p. M., the whole army landed and encamped 
on the same ground, and in the same order, as on the 
30th of July. 

Thus, by the perseverance, good conduct, and deter- 
mined resolution of our commander-in-chief, with the 
assistance of his council, and the full determination of 
his troops to execute, have we fully accomplished the great 
end and intentions of this important expedition; and I 
flatter myself we fully surpassed the most sanguine expec- 
tation of those whose eyes were more immediately looking 
to us for success. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 95 

The glorious achievements we have exhibited in extend- 
ing our conquests so far, and, at the same time, render 
them so very complete, "^all make no inconsiderable 
balance even in the present politics of America. Its 
future good consequences I leave to the eloquence of 
time to declare, which will, in ages hence, celebrate the 
memory of those brave sons who nobly risked their lives, 
disdaining every fatigue and hardship, to complete a 
conquest, the rear good effects and advantages of which 
posterity will particularly enjoy. 

Whilst I revere the merit and virtue of the army, I 
am sorry I am under the necessity of mentioning that 
there was an unparalleled and unpardonable neglect 
(and which ought not to pass with impunity), in those 
whose business it was to supply them with a sufficient 
quantity of necessaries to carry them through the expedi- 
tion, instead of which not more than twenty -two days 
flour, and sixteen days meat was on hand when it com- 
menced. And, although the army possessed a degree of 
I'irtue, perhaps unparalleled in the annals of history, 
in undertaking an expedition on half allowance, which 
was in every instance hazardous and imperious, yet, 
had we not been favored with the smiles of Providence, 
in a continuation of good weather, the half allowance 
itself would not have enabled us to perform what, from 
that circumstance, we have. 



End of Col. Hubley's Journal. 



CHAPTER IV 

General Stjllivan Tells the Story 

THE chronicle of his expedition against the Iro- 
quois in 1779 — The Devastation of the Genesee 
Country. 

*Teago, Sept. 30, 1779. 

Sir: In mine of the 30th ultimo to His Excellency 
George Washington, and by him transmitted to Congress, 
I gave an account of the victory obtained by this army 
over the enemy at Newtown, on the 29th of August. I now 
do myself the honor to inform Congress of the progress 
of this army, and the most material occurrences which 
have since taken place. 

The time taken up in destroying the corn, in the 
neighborhood of Newtown, employing the army near two 
days, and there appearing a probability that the destruc- 
tion of all the crops might take a much greater length 
of time than was first apprehended, and being likewise 
convinced, by an accurate calculation, that it could not 
be possible to effect the destruction of the Indian country 
with the provisions on hand, which was all I had in store, 
and indeed all I had pack horses to transport from Teago; 
in this situation I could think of but one expedient to 
answer the purposes of the expedition, which was to 
prevail if possible, on the soldiers to content themselves 
with half a pound of flour and the same quantity of fresh 
beef per day, rather than leave the important business 
unfinished. I therefore drew up an address to them, a 
copy of which I have the honor to enclose you, which 



(*Tioga Point (Athens, Pa.) 

96 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 97 

being read, was answered by three cheers from the whole 
army. Not one dissenting voice was heard from either 
officer or soldier. I had then on hand, from the best 
calculation I could make, twenty-two pounds of flour and 
sixteen pounds of beef per man; the former liable to many 
reductions by rains, crossing rivers and defiles; the lat- 
ter much more so, from the almost unavoidable loss of 
cattle, when suffered to range the woods at night for their 
support. I w^as, however, encouraged in the belief, that 
I should be enabled to effect the destruction and total 
ruin of the Indian territories by this truly noble resolu- 
tion of the army, for which, I know not whether the public 
stand more indebted to the persuasive arguments which 
the officers began to use, or to the virtuous disposition 
of the soldiers, whose prudent and cheerful compliance 
with the requisition anticipated all their wishes, and 
rendered persuasion unnecessary. 

I sent back all my heavy artillery on the night of the 
30th, retaining only four brass three pounders, and a 
small howitzer; loaded the necessary ammunition on 
horseback, and marched early on the 31st for Catherine's 
Town. On our way we destroyed a small settlement 
of eight houses, and a town called Konowhola, of about 
twenty houses, situated on a peninsular at the conflux 
ot the Teago and Cayuga branches. We also destroyed 
several fields of corn. From this point Colonel Dayton 
was detached with his regiment and the rifle corps up the 
Teago about six miles, who destroyed several large fields 
of corn. The army resumed their march, and encamped 
within thirteen miles and a half of Catherine's Town, 
where we arrived the next day, although we had a road 
to open for the artillery, through a swamp nine miles 
in extent, and almost impervious. We arrived near 



98 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

Catherine's Town in the night, and moved on, in hopes 
to surprise it, but found it forsaken. On the next morn- 
ing an old woman belonging to the Cayuga nation was 
found in the woods. She informed me that on the night 
after the battle of Newtown, the enemy, having fled the 
whole night, arrived there in great confusion early the 
next day; that she heard the warriors tell their women 
they were conquered and must fly; that they had a great 
many killed and vast numbers wounded. She likewise 
heard the lamentations of many at the loss of their con- 
nections. In addition to this, she assured us, that some 
of her warriors had met Butler at this place and desired 
him to return and fight again. But to this request they 
could obtain no satisfactory answer, for, as they observed, 
"Butler's mouth was closed." The warriors who had 
been in the action were equally averse to the proposal, 
and would think of nothing but flight, and removal of 
their families; that they kept runners on every mountain 
to observe the movements of our army, who reported 
early in the day on which we arrived, that our advance 
was very rapid; upon which all those who had not been 
before sent off, fled with precipitation, leaving her without 
any possible means of escape. She said that Brandt had 
taken most of the wounded up the Teago in canoes. I was, 
from many circumstances, fully convinced of the truth 
and sincerity of her declaration, and the more so, as we 
had, the day we left Newtown, discovered a great number 
of bloody packs, arms and accoutrements, thrown away 
in the road, and in the woods each side of it. Besides 
which, we discovered a number of recent graves, one of 
which has been since opened, containing the bodies of 
two persons who had died by wounds. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 99 

These circumstances, when added to that of so many 
warriors being left dead on the field, a circumstance 
not common with Indians, were suflficient to corroborate 
the woman's declaration, and to prove what I before 
conjectured, that the loss of the enemy was much greater 
than was at first apprehended. I have never been able 
to ascertain, with any degree of certainty, what force 
the enemy opposed to us at Newtown, but from the best 
accounts I have been able to collect, and from the opinion 
of General Poor, and others, who had the best oppor- 
tunity of viewing their numbers, as well as from the 
extent of their lines, I suppose them to have been 1,500, 
though the two prisoners, whom I believe totally ignorant 
of the number at any post but their own, as well as of 
the enemy's disposition, estimate them only at eight 
hundred, while they allow that five companies of rangers, 
all the warriors of Seneca, and six other nations, were 
collected at this place. In order to determine their 
force with as much accuracy as in my power, I examined 
their breastworks, and found the extent more than half a 
mile. Several bastions ran out in its front to flank the 
lines in every part. A small block-house, formerly a 
dwelling, was also manned in the front. The breastwork 
appeared to have been fully manned, though I supposed 
with only one rank. Some parts of their works being 
low, they were obliged to dig holes in the ground to cover 
themselves in part. This circumstance enabled me to 
judge the distance between their men in the works. 
A very thin scattering line, designed, as I suppose, for 
communicating signals, was continued from those works 
to that part of the mountain which General Poor ascended, 
where they had a very large body, which was designed, 
I imagined, to fall on our flank. The distance from the 



100 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

breastwork to this was at least one mile and a half. From 
thence to the hill in the rear of our right, was another 
scattering line of about one mile, and on the hill a breast- 
work with a strong party, destined, as it is supposed, to 
fall on our rear. But General Clinton being ordered so 
far to the right occasioned his flank to pass the mountain, 
which obliged them to abandon their post. From these 
circumstances, as well as from the opinions of others, 
I cannot conceive their numbers to be less than what 
I have before mentioned. 

The army spent one day at Catherine's destroying 
corn and fruit trees. We burnt the town, consisting of 
thirty houses. The next day we encamped near a small 
scattering settlement of about eight houses and two days 
after reached Kendaia, which we also found deserted. 
Here one of the inhabitants of Wioming, who had been 
last year captured by the enemy, escaped from them 
and joined us. He informed us that the enemy had left 
the town in the greatest confusion three days before our 
arrival. He said he had conversed with some of the 
Tories on their return from the action at Newtown, who 
assured him they had great numbers killed and wounded, 
and there was no safety in flight. He heard Butler 
tell them he must try to make a stand at Kanadasaga; but 
they declared they would not throw away their lives in 
vain attempt to oppose such an army. He also heard 
many of the Indian women lamenting the loss of their 
connections and added that Brandt had taken most of 
the wounded up the Teago in water crafts which had been 
provided for that purpose in case of necessity. It was 
his opinion that the King of Kanadasaga was killed as he 
saw him go down but did not return and gave a descrip- 
tion of his person and dress corresponding with those of 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 101 

one found on the field of action. Kendaia consisted of 
about twenty houses which were reduced to ashes, the 
houses were neatly built and finished. The army spent 
a day neatly at this place, in destroying corn and fruit 
trees of which there was a great abundance. Many of the 
trees appeared to be of great age. On the next day we 
crossed the outlet of the Seneca Lake and moved in three 
divisions through the woods to encircle Kanadasaga, 
but found if otherwise abandoned. A white child of 
about three years old, doubtless the offspring of some 
unhappy captive, was found here and carried with the 
army. 

A detachment of four hundred men was sent down on 
the west side of the lake to destroy Gothseunquean and 
the plantations in the same quarters; at the same time 
a number of volunteers under Colonel Harper, made a 
forced march towards Cayuga Lake and destroyed 
Schoyere while the residue of the army were employed 
in destroying the corn at Kanadasaga of which there 
was a large quantity. This town consisted of fifty houses 
and was pleasantly situated. In it we found a great 
quantity of fruit trees which were destroyed with the 
town. The army then moved on and in two days ar- 
rived at Kanandaque, having been joined on the march 
by the detachment sent along the Seneca Lake which 
had been almost two days employed in destroying the 
crops and settlements in that quarter. At Kanadaque 
we found twenty -three very elegant houses mostly finished 
and in general, large. Here we also found very extensive 
fields of corn, which having been destroyed, we marched 
for Hannayaye, a small town of ten houses, which we 
also destroyed. 



102 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

At this place we established a post leaving a strong 
garrison, our heavy stores and one field piece and pro- 
ceeded to Chinesee, which the prisoners informed us was 
the grand capital of the Indian country, that Indians 
of all nations had been planting there this spring; that 
all the Rangers and some British had been employed in 
assisting them in order to raise sufficient supplies to sup- 
port them while destroying our frontiers, and that they, 
themselves, had worked three weeks for the Indians 
when planting. This information determined me at all 
events to reach that settlement, though the state of my 
provisions, much reduced by unavoidable accidents, 
almost forbade the attempt. My flour had been much 
reduced by the failure of pack horses and in the passage 
of creeks and defiles; and twenty-seven of the cattle had 
been unavoidably lost. We however marched on for the 
Chinesee town and on the second day reached a town of 
twenty-five houses, called Koneghsaws. Here we found 
some large corn fields which part of the army destroyed 
while the other part were employed in building a bridge 
over an unfordable creek between this and Chinesee. 

I had the preceding evening ordered out an officer with 
three or four riflemen, one of our guides and an Oneida 
chief to reconnoitre the Chinesee town, that we might, if 
possible, surprise it. Lieutenant Boyd was the officer 
entrusted with this service, who took with him twenty- 
three men, volunteers from the same corps, and a few 
from Colonel Butler's regiment, making in all twenty- 
six, a much larger number than I had thought of sending, 
and by no means so likely to answer the purpose as that 
which had been directed. The guides were by no means 
acquainted with the country, mistook the road in the night, 
and at daybreak fell in with a castle six miles higher up 
than Chinesee, inhabited by a tribe called Squatchegas. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 103 

Here they saw a few Indians, killed and scalped two, 
the rest fled. Two runners were immediately dispatched 
to me with the account and informed that the party were 
on their return. When the bridge was almost completed 
some of them came in and told us that Lieutenant Boyd 
and men of his party were almost surrounded by the 
enemy; that the enemy had been discovering themselves 
before him for some miles; that his men had killed two 
and were eagerly pursuing the rest; but soon found them- 
selves almost surrounded by three or four hundred Indians 
and rangers. Those of Mr. Boyd's men who were sent to 
secure his flanks fortunately made their escape; but he 
with fourteen of his party and the Oneida chief being in 
the centre, were completely encircled. The light troops 
of the army and the flanking divisions were immediately 
detached to their relief; but arrived too late, the enemy 
having destroyed the party and escaped. 

It appears that our men had taken to a small grove, 
the ground around it being clear on every side for several 
rods, and there fought till Mr. Boyd w^as shot through the 
body, and his men all killed except one, who, with his 
wounded commander was made prisoner. The firing 
was so close, before this brave party were destroyed, 
that the powder of the enemy's muskets was driven 
into their flesh. In this conflict the enemy must have 
suffered greatly, as they had no cover, and our men were 
possessed of a very advantageous one. This advantage 
of ground the obstinate bravery of the party, with some 
other circumstances, induced me to believe their loss 
must have been very considerable. They were so long em- 
ployed in removing and secreting their dead, that the 
advance of General Hand's party obliged them to leave 
one alongside the riflemen, and at least a wagon load of 



104 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

packs, blankets, hats and provisions, which they had 
thrown off to enable them to act with more agility in 
the field. Most of these appeared to have appertained 
to the rangers. Another reason which induces me to 
suppose they suffered much was the unparalleled tortures 
they inflicted upon the brave and unfortunate Boyd, whose 
body, with that of the equally unfortunate companion, 
was found at Chinesee. It appeared that they had whip- 
ped them in the most cruel manner, pulled out Mr. 
Boyd's nails, cut off his nose, plucked out one of his eyes, 
cut out his tongue, stabbed him with spears in sundry 
places, and inflicted other tortures which decency will 
not permit me to mention; lastly, cut off his head, and 
left his body on the ground with that of his unfortunate 
companion, who appeared to have experienced nearly 
the same savage barbarity. The party Mr. Boyd fell 
in with, was commanded by Butler, posted on an advan- 
tageous piece of ground, in order to fire upon our army 
when advancing; but they found their design frustrated 
by the appearance of this party in their rear. 

The army moved on that day to the castle last men- 
tioned, which consisted of twenty-five houses, and had 
very extensive fields of corn, which being destroyed, we 
moved on the next day to Chinesee, crossing in our route 
a deep creek and the Little Seneca river; and after march- 
ing six miles we reached the Castle, which consisted of 
128 houses, mostly large and elegant. The town was 
beautifully situated, almost encircled with a cleared fiat, 
which extended for a number of miles, covered by the 
most extensive fields of corn, and every kind of vegetable 
that can be conceived. The whole army was immediately 
engaged in destroying the crops. The corn was collected 
and burned in houses and kilns, so the enemy might not 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 105 

reap the least advantage from it, which method we have 
pursued in every other place. Here a woman came to us 
who had been captured at Wioming. She told us the 
enemy evacuated the town two days before; that 
Butler at the same time went off with three or four hun- 
dred Indians and rangers, as he said, to get a shot at our 
army. This was undoubtedly the party which cut off 
Lieutenant Boyd. She mentioned they kept runners 
constantly out, and that when our army was in motion, 
the intelligence was communicated by a yell, immediately 
on which the greatest terror and confusion apparently 
took place among them. The women were constantly 
begging the warriors to sue for peace, and that one of the 
Indians had attempted to shoot Colonel Johnson for the 
falsehoods by which he had deceived and ruined them; 
that she overheard Butler telling Johnson that it was 
impossible to keep the Indians together after the battle 
of Newtown; that he thought they must soon be in a 
miserable situation, as all their crops would be destroyed, 
and that Canada could not supply them with provisions 
at Niagara; that he would endeavor to collect the war- 
riors to assist in the defense of that fort, which he was of 
opinion this army would lay siege to, and the women 
and children he would send to Canada. After having 
destroyed this town, beyond which I was informed there 
was no settlem.ent, and destroyed all their houses and 
crops in that quarter, the army having been advancing 
seventeen days with the supply of provisions before 
mentioned, and that much reduced on the march by 
accidents, and the Cayuga country being as yet unpene- 
trated, I thought it necessary to return as soon as possible 
in order to effect the destruction of the settlements in 
that quarter. The army therefore began its march to 
Kanadasaga. 



106 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

I was met on the way by a sachem from Oneida and three 
warriors, one of whom I had sent from Catherine's with 
a letter, a copy of which I have the honor to enclose to 
Congress. They delivered me a message from the war- 
riors of that nation respecting the Cayugas; copies of 
that and my answer I also enclose from this place. I 
detached Colonel Smith with a party down the west side 
of the Lake to destroy the corn which had not been cut 
down, and to destroy anything further which might be 
discovered there. I then detached Colonel Gansevoort 
with one hundred men to Albany to forward the baggage 
of the York regiments to the main army, and to take with 
him such soldiers as were at that place. I directed him 
to destroy the lower Mohawk castle in his route, and 
capture the inhabitants, consisting of six or seven families 
who were constantly employed in giving intelligence to 
the enemy, and in supporting their scouting parties 
when making incursions on our frontiers. When the 
Mohawks joined the enemy, those few families were 
undoubtedly left to answer such a purpose and to keep 
possession of their lands. The upper castle now inhabi- 
ted by Orkeskes, our friends, he was directed not to dis- 
turb. With him I sent Mr. Deane, who bore my answer 
to the Oneidas. 

I then detached Colonel Butler with six hundred men 
to destroy the Cayuga country, and with him sent all 
the Indian warriors who had said if they could find the 
Cayugas they would endeavor to persuade them to 
deliver themselves up as prisoners ; the chief of them called 
Teguttelawana being a near relation to the sachem. I 
then crossed the Seneca river and detached Colonel 
Dearborn to the west side of the Cayuga lake to destroy 
all the settlements which might be found there and to 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 107 

intercept the Cayugas if they attempted to escape Colonel 
Butler. The residue of the army passing on between the 
lakes, toward Catherines. Colonel Dearborn burnt in 
his route six towns, including one which had been before 
partly destroyed by a small party; destroying at the same 
time quantities of corn. He took an Indian lad and 
three women prisoners, — one of the women being very 
old and the lad a cripple; he left them, and brought 
on the other two and joined the army on the evening of 
the 26th. Colonel Courtland was then detached with 
300 men up the Teago branch to search for settlements 
in that quarter; and in the space of two days destroyed 
several fields of corn and burnt several houses. Colonel 
Butler joined the army on the 28th whereby a complete 
junction was formed at Conowaloala on the 29th day 
after our leaving Newtown. Here we were met by plenty 
of provisions, from Teago, which I had previously directed 
to be sent on. Colonel Butler destroyed in the Cayuga 
country five principal towns and a number of scattering 
houses, the whole making about one hundred in number, 
exceedingly large and well built. He also destroyed two 
hundred acres of excellent corn with a number of orchards, 
one of which had in it 1,500 fruit trees. Another Indian 
settlement was discovered near Newtown by a party, 
consisting of 39 houses, which were also destroyed. The 
number of towns destroyed by this army amounted to 
40 besides scattering houses. The quantity of corn 
destroyed, at a moderate computation, must amount to 
160,000 bushels, with a vast quantity of vegetables of 
every kind. Every creek and river has been traced, 
and the whole country explored in search of Indian 
settlements, and I am well persuaded that, except one 
town situated near the Allegana, about 50 miles from 



108 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

Chinesee, there is not a single town left in the country 
of the Five Nations. 

It is with pleasure I inform Congress that this army 
has not suffered the loss of forty men in action or other- 
wise since my taking the command; though perhaps few 
troops have experienced a more fatiguing campaign. 
Besides, the difficulties which naturally attend marching 
through an enemy's country, abounding in woods, creeks, 
rivers, mountians, morasses and defiles, we found no 
small inconvenience from the want of proper guides, and 
the maps of the country are so exceedingly erroneous 
that they serve not to enlighten but to perplex. We had 
not a person who was sufficiently acquainted with the 
country to conduct a party out of the Indian path by 
day, or scarcely in it by night; though they were the 
best I could possibly procure. Their ignorance, doubt- 
less arose from the Indians having ever taken the best 
measures in their power to prevent their country's being 
explored. We had much labor in clearing out the roads 
for the artillery, notwithstanding which, the army moved 
from twelve to sixteen miles every day when not detained 
by rains, or employed in destroying settlements. 

I feel myself much indebted to the officers of every 
rank for their unparalleled exertions, and to the soldiers 
for the unshaken firmness with which they endured the 
toils and difficulties attending the expedition. Though 
I had it not in command I should have ventured to have 
paid Niagara a visit, had I been supplied with fifteen 
days provisions in addition to what I had, which I am 
persuaded from the bravery and ardor of our troops 
would have fallen into our hands. 

I forgot to mention that the Oneida sachem requested 
me to grant his people liberty to hunt in the country of 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 109 

the Five Nations, as they would never think of settling 
again in a country once subdued, and where their settle- 
ments must ever be in our power. I, in answer, informed 
him that I had no authority to grant such a license; 
that I could not at present see reason to object to it, 
but advised them to make application to Congress, who, 
I believed, would, in consideration of their friendly 
conduct grant them every advantage of this kind that 
would not interfere with our settlement of the country, 
which I believed would soon take place. The Oneidas 
say that as no Indians were discovered by Colonel Butler 
at Cayuga, they are of opinion they are gone to their 
castle, and that their Chiefs will persuade them to come 
in and surrender themselves on the terms I have pro- 
posed. The army began its march from Conowalohala 
yesterday, and arrived here this evening. After leaving 
the necessary force for securing the frontiers in this 
quarter, I shall move on to join the main army. 

It would have been very pleasing to this army to have 
drawn the enemy to a second engagement, but such a 
panic seized them after the first action that it was impos- 
sible, as they never ventured themselves in reach of the 
army, nor have they fired a single gun at it on its march or 
in its quarters, though in a country exceeding well cal- 
culated for ambuscades. This circumstance alone would 
sufficiently prove that they suffered severely in their 
first effort. 

Congress will please pardon the length of this narration, 
as I thought a particular and circumstantial detail of 
facts would not be disagreeable, especially as I have 
transmitted no accounts of the progress of this army 
since the action of the 29th of August. I flatter myself 
that the orders with which I was entrusted are fully 



110 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

executed, as we have not left a single settlement or field 
of corn in the country of the Five Nations, nor is there even 
the appearance of an Indian on this side of Niagara. 
Messengers and small parties have been constantly 
passing, and some imprudent soldiers who straggled from 
the army, mistook the route and went back almost to 
Chinesee without discovering even the track of an Indian. 
I trust the steps I have taken with respect to the Oneidas, 
Cayugas and Mohawks will prove satisfactory; and here 
I beg leave to mention that in searching the houses of 
those pretended neutral Cayugas, a number of scalps 
were found, which appeared to have been lately taken, 
which Colonel Butler showed to the Oneidas, who said 
that they were then convinced of the justice of the steps 
I had taken. The promise made to the soldiers in my 
address at Newtown I hope will be thought reasonable 
by Congress, and flatter myself that the performance 
of it will be ordered. 

Colonel Bruin will have the honor of delivering these 
dispatches to your Excellency. I beg leave to recommend 
him to the particular notice of Congress, as an officer who, 
on this as well as several other campaigns, has proved 
himself an active, brave, and truly deserving officer. 

I have the honor to be, with the most exalted elements 
of esteem and respect, your Excellency's most obedient 
and ever humble servant, 

John Sullivan. 
His Excellency John Jay, Esq. 

Some of those who w^ere Sullivan's subordinate officers 
during the Western Expedition, said afterwards that the 
above report which he rendered to Congress, was a 
"pompous account of his military peregrinations." 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 111 

While it is an account of his "military peregrinations,'* 
the word "pompous" should be omitted. True, it 
is written in the florid style of the 18th century, but we 
should remember that the revolutionary period was one 
of great formality and dignity both in manners and speech, 
and in writing the way he did, Sullivan was only adhering 
to the custom of his time. 

One reason why he was disliked in certain quarters 
was on account of his mental caliber, as one authority 
has said, "Sullivan always had the best intelligence of 
any man in the army," and we all know that the greater 
a man is, the greater will be the number of his enemies. 
Washington always entertained a great regard for him 
and a man had to possess some pretty sterling qualities 
in order to gain and hold the friendship of "The father of 
his country." That Washington was no believer in form- 
ing quick friendships will be seen by a perusal of the 
following advice contained in a letter from him to his 
nephew, Bushrod Washington, written in 1783, in which 
he advises the young man to be courteous toward all but 
intimate with few, and let those few be well chosen before 
you give them your confidence, for true friendship is a 
plant of slow growth. 

Washington never missed an opportunity to show his 
esteem for General Sullivan, and he ranked next to 
Lafayette in his affections. 

An Afterword 
And now, dear reader, that we have accompanied 
"John Sullivan and his men" through the picturesque 
and stirring scenes of the great Indian Expedition let us 
take a glance at the man who was the commander-in- 
chief. Let us glance at him as he enters his tent to hold. 



112 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

a council of war with his four brigadier generals (Clinton, 
Maxwell, Poor and Hand), while the army lay in camp 
on the shores of Conesus Lake. At the time appointed 
for the council he enters his tent from a tour of personal 
inspection of the camp. Genial in disposition he salutes 
each of the officers as he takes his camp stool at the head 
of the council table. The expression of his sun-burnt 
face is grave and even anxious. We see a man 40 years of 
age, 5 feet 9 inches tall, his face is oval in contour and 
swarthy in color. His eyes are dark brown and his 
gold-laced hat covers a mass of dark bro\\Ti wavy hair. 
He is inclined to corpulency which but adds to the grace 
and dignity of his deportment. He is full of chest, 
straight as an arrow and as he sits there at the head of the 
council table, he looks every inch the brave soldier and 
gallant gentleman, and he is a man who challenges our 
respect. His father, Owen Sullivan, belonged to an upper 
class Irish family of ancient lineage, and as we have seen, 
came from Ireland to the colonies in 1723. All of his 
sons were men of note, James became governor of 
Massachusetts, and William Governor of Vermont, 
John, the third son (and subject of this biography), 
received a good education from his father, who was a 
school teacher, and after taking a trip abroad, read 
law in the office of Judge Livermore of Portsmouth 
N. H., and a little later established himself in the small 
town of Durham, N H. He retired from the continental 
army in the late autumn of 1779 and was at once elected 
member of Congress, and took his seat in 1780, but left 
the next year to engage in the practice of law. He served 
two terms as governor of the State of New Hampshire, 
and one term was Attorney General of the same State. 
When the United States District Courts were erected in 




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GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 113 

1789, President Washington appointed him judge for 
the District of New Hampshire. In a letter to the 
President of Congress, under date of November 9th, 
1779, General Sullivan says: "It is with the deepest 
regret I find myself compelled to request from Congress 
liberty to retire from the Army. My health is so much 
impaired by a violent bilious disorder, which seized me 
in the commencement and continued during the whole 
of the western expedition that I have not the smallest 
hope of a perfect recovery. My physicians have assured 
me that nothing but a total release from business, and a 
particular attention to my health, can restore me; and 
my own feelings indicate that even this will fall far short 
of my own wishes and their expectations." Washington 
endeavored to prevent General Sullivan from retiring 
from the service, but seeing that "matters were drawing 
to a happy conclusion" he persisted, and Congress ac- 
cepted his resignation, accompanying the acceptance, 
however, with renewed thanks for his meritorious and 
patriotic services. As we see him bend his steps toward 
his New England home, and the loving arms of wife and 
children, his health wrecked by five years service under 
his country's flag, and his fortunes depleted, as a conse- 
quence of his neglect of his private affairs, we murmur, 
"Great and good man, may peace and happiness hover 
about thy declining years, and the smile of God be on 
thy last hours." Such was not to be, however, for during 
the last fifteen years of his life he was hounded by creditors, 
and even death did not end the rugged chapter of a life 
of rugged fortunes, for under an infamous statue of that 
day, his creditors attached the body and held it from 
burial until Colonel Cilley (he who had moved shoulder 
to shoulder with him, during the great Indian raid, six- 



114 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

teen years before) drew his pistols, and held the officers 
of the law at bay, while the remains of the good General 
were committed to the soil of the old Granite State. 
His death occured on the 23d of January, 1795, from a 
stroke of apoplexy, at an inn, where he had put up for 
the night. It is sad to think that a man who had faced 
death on the fields of Brandy wine and Germantown, 
at the cannons mouth at Trenton, and in the wilds of the 
"Genesee country" at last had to die among strangers 
with none of his own kin around him. General Sullivan, 
while he was filling the office of District Judge, always 
traveled about on the back of a fine grey horse, and it was 
his habit to tell his wife upon leaving home, to attend 
court, that if she saw his big white horse coming, without 
him, she would know that he was dead. He left his wife, 
who survived till 1820, three sons, all graduates of Harvard 
College, and one daughter. General Sullivan's niece, 
Margaret Sullivan, was the writer's great-grandmother. 
General Sullivan was a very positive man, who entertained 
and freely expressed his sentiments. He never minced 
words, but always declared himself freely. His ambi- 
tion and self-confidence were enormous. Born to rule, 
he was ill-fitted to obey. No doubt he was a little too 
independent and out-spoken at times, but reader, let 
us judge him not, for we should remember that he long 
ago, went — 

"To join the innumerable caravan 
Which moves to that 
Mysterious realm where each 
Shall take 
His chamber in the silent halls of death." 

and that long ere this, he has been judged by a supreme 
power, by Him who has said more than eighteen hundred 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 115 

years ago, "Vengeance is mine." He was a lineal descend- 
ant of Lord Donall O'SuUivan, "O'Sullivan of the Glen's," 
who was dispossessed of his castles and vast estates, 
in South Ireland, by Sir Charles Wilmot, and his English 
forces, in December, 1602. He was a man who was easily 
excited and quick to anger, but his was not a vengeful 
disposition, and he was always susceptible to kind words. 
Like many of his brother officers in the continental army 
he never received his just rewards from the country he 
served so well, and the grim reaper, when he came, on 
January 23d, 1795, found him as poor as the proverbial 
"church mouse." After the disbandment of the conti- 
nental army, in 1783, both officers and men strove to 
secure their pay, which was hopelessly in arrears. Con- 
gress had voted half pay to the officers for life, and many 
had agreed to accept a commutation of this in form of 
full pay for a certain number of years. Certificates 
for these amounts were issued but in this as in other cases, 
it was found impossible to procure the money for the 
purpose from the States. When the disbandment was 
finally effected, the officers found their certificates depre- 
ciated in value and the State's indisposed to honor them. 
They consequently received only a small part of their 
due and in some cases nothing at all. This deplorable 
result was due in part to poverty but quite as much to 
bad faith. The country, at the close of the revolution, 
was in a most demoralized condition, the result of the long 
seven years' war and the general collapse of public and 
private credit, which had accompanied it. 

As a friend of the great hearted and noble-minded 
Washington, the brave and patriotic Greene, the chival- 
rous young marquis De Lafayette, and all the noblest 
statesmen and generals of the revolution, whose esteem 



116 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

for him is universally known, and to whom his attachment 
never wavered, he will be valued for his high integrity, 
his steadfast faith and his loyal and generous character. 
Were it necessary I could say much more in praise of 
General Sullivan, but I think that I have already said 
enough to show that he was an honest, brave and patriotic, 
self-sacrificing man and one who deserves to have his 
name inscribed high on the wall of the temple of fame, 
as one of the foremost actors in the great drama of the 
past. The states of New York, New Hampshire, and 
Pennsylvania, have perpetuated his name by giving it 
to counties, townships and villages. 

In the spirit land, 

Stands Sullivan's band, 

In that far distant home in glory, 

But through the years, 

A procession appears, 

Far famed in the world's great story. 

The End. 



AN APPENDIX 

containing notes, acknowledgments, biographical 
sketches, etc. 

Biographical Sketch of Lieut. Thomas Boyd 

Lieut. Thomas Boyd, who was massacred near Little- 
beards Town, on Sept. 13, 1779, was born in Pennsylvania, 
in 1756, and was, therefore, at the time of his death, in 
the 23d year of his age. He had enlisted as a Sergeant 
in Capt. Stephen Bayard's Company from Derry, Pa. 
in January, 1776, and was transferred to Capt. Matthew 
Smith's Company in November of the same year, and in 
January, 1778, was made Captain Lieutenant in the 1st 
Pennsylvania Regiment. Soon after, with other rifle- 
men, he was detached from his regiment and joined Col. 
Butler, and subsequently served under Major James 
Parr, to whose command he belonged at the time of his 
death. He was of fine physique, and engaging manners. 
His younger brother, William, fell at Brandy wine, in 1777. 

The remains of Boyd and Parker, were found by the 
army the day after the massacre, and buried under a 
clump of wild plum trees, where they lay in unmarked 
graves, until 1841. In July of that year, a movement 
was set on foot by some of the leading citizens of Roches- 
ter, N. Y., including Henry O'Reilly, editor of the Union 
(now the Union and Advertiser), to have the remains 
removed to Mt. Hope Cemetery, which was done with 
imposing ceremonies. Here they lay until 1903, when the 
Irondequoit Chapter, Daughters of the American Revo- 
lution, had them removed to their present resting place, 
in the extreme northern part of the great city of the dead. 

117 



118 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

The writer *s mother sleeps the eternal sleep, less than half 
a mile away. 

We can thank the Irondequoit Chapter, Daughters of 
the American Revolution, that from a twenty-five foot 
steel flag staff, the stars and stripes now float, day and 
night, over the graves of John Sullivan's men. 

Biographical Sketch of Capt. Simon Spaldinq 

At the terrible bombardment of Wyoming, on June 3C 
1778, Lieut. Spalding (whose name appears in the roste 
of oflBcers), commanded a detachment of Ransom' 
regiment. Almost every shot from the British tor' 
through the fort, and men fell on every side. A soldier 
of Spalding's threw himself flat on the ground. "No- 
body," he said, "can stand this." "Get up my good man," 
said Spalding cooly. "I should hate to have to run 
you through. You can stand it if I can" and the man 
returned cheerfully to his duty. After the war, Captain 
Spalding was commissioned Brigadier General of the 
militia of Pennsylvania. He is buried in the little church- 
yard at Sheshequin, Bradford Co., Pa. 

For the foregoing facts relating to Spalding, I am indebted to 
Mrs. Chas. C. West, of Sayre, Pa., and Mrs. E. C. Rosenfield, of 
Towanda, Pa. Both of these ladies are descendants of Captain 
Spalding.— O. E. R. 

Note — Lieut. Col. Adam Hubley, was born in Lancaster County, 
Pa. in 1744, the son of Michael and Rosina Hubley. He died in 
Philadelphia of yellow fever in 1793.— O. E. R. 

Note — Col. "Tory" Walter Butler was killed by an Oneida Indian 
in 1781 while fleeing from the redskins, he tripped and fell over a 
log; before he could regain his feet, the Indian was upon him. 
The inhuman Tory begged for mercy, but the Oneida, shouting in 
broken English, "Sherry Valley, remember Sherry Valley" buried 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARMY 119 

his tomahawk in his brains. Thus passed out of the world, the 
"Fiend in human form." — O. E. R. 

Note— It is told of General Sullivan's mother, (who was the 
writer's great -great-great grandmother) that one time when she was 
in a gathering of ladies (among whom she was a partial stranger) 
she was questioned about her Irish origin in a slighting manner. 
The brave and proud little woman, answered "Yes, I came to 
America to give you judges and generals." — O. E. R. 

Note — General Sullivan was a great lover of horses (so is the 
J writer), and after the battle of Brandy wine, he remarked that the 
horse which was shot from under him, there was "the best horse in 
America."— O. E. R. 

Note— The force that attacked Cherry Valley numbered 800, 
and consisted of 600 Indians, 150 Tories, 50 British soldiers and four 
officers. Of Colonel Walter Butler, Brandt said of him that he 
was "more savage than the savages themselves". — O. E. R. 

Note — For the picture of the marker at Wysox, Pa., and the 
one of Standing Stone Rock, Pa., my thanks are due to Mrs. Sue R. 
Mercur, of Towanda, Pa. — O. E. R. 

Note — The Irish family of O 'Sullivan derives its descent from 
Oliol OUun, King of Munster, who reigned about the year 125 A. D. 
— O. E. R. 

Note — The Abbe Belmont, who was the historian of the De Non- 
ville expedition in the summer of 1687, asserts that it was the 
custom of the Indians "to change their villages every ten years 
in order to bring themselves near the woods and permit them to 
grow up again." 

This may have been true during the period of the earHer Indian 
occupation of Western New York, when perhaps the red man 
depended more for his subsistence on the chase than the pursuit 
of agriculture. But certain it is that during the later years of their 
ownership of the soil their villages were occupied for many years in 
succession. Such was the case with Kanandasaga, for we learn 
from the manuscripts of Sir William Johnson, dated at Albany, 
June 15th, 1754, that "whereas the French have long been endeavor- 
ing to prevail on the Senecas to come and settle at Irondequoit, 



120 A NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWYER IN 

in order to have them nearer to their settlements, the more easily 
to effect their design of debauching them from the British interest. 

The Commissioners are of opinion that His Honor should insist 
that the Senecas who at present live very remote from one another, 
to make a general castle near the mouth of the Seneca river, where 
they have already begun to build a new castle. 

In 1746, on the recommendation of the Commissioners of Indian 
Affairs, Sir William Johnson as superintendent, in order to more 
fully bind them to the "British interests" caused to be erected at 
Kanandasaga a large stockade fort, whose ruins were visible as late 
as the year 1845, when the Hon. Lewis H. Morgan of Rochester, 
N. Y., visited it and made a drawing of its site. 

The theory of the Abbe Belmont could hardly apply to this 
settlement of Kanandasaga, for we have quite convincing proof that 
it was continually occupied for more than twenty-five years previous 
to 1779, when it met the same fate as the other Indian towns at the 
hands of General Sullivan's invading troops. — O. E. R. 



